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National wild bird survey

VLA is providing diagnostic support to the National Wild Bird Survey. The survey involves looking at the potential spread of avian influenza through migratory birds.

Defra Helpline 08459-335577

To help us we are asking members of the public to keep an eye out for unusual numbers of dead or dying birds.

Contact the Defra Helpline on 08459-335577 for further advice.

Initial results of the national wild bird survey show no presence of H5N1 in wild birds in the UK. The work of the national wild bird survey is included under VLA's Diseases of Wildlife Scheme.

Further information

• Defra's pages on surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds

• Defra's avian influenza home page

• Central Science Laboratory's (CSL) Wildlife Incident Unit

• Summary of results of GB surveys on the wild bird population

• VLA's Disease of Wildlife Scheme