How do I report dead wild birds?
If dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans are found and you are within a wild bird survey area (map here) or unsure whether you are in a surveillance area you may wish to contact the Defra helpline - 08459 33 55 77 (Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm).
An assessment will then be made and a decision as to whether the bird(s) will be collected for screening.
When reporting dead wild birds please have the following information ready before calling the helpline:
- The administrative area that you are in (i.e. Essex, Bolton, St. Helens )
- A description of the bird. Collection will only be considered if the bird is a duck, swan, goose, gull or wader. It must be in good bodily condition.
- A detailed description of the area must be given to the helpline so that someone that is not familiar to that area will be able to find the bird(s) easily if there is to be a collection. If the bird(s) is not accessible it cannot be collected.
Please see Wild Bird Survey and Influenza Surveillance for more information
Page last modified: 2 April 2007
Page published: 2 April 2007