Defra's Avian flu advice
Avian Influenza has been found in England in November 2024.
Guidance on biosecurity measures for poultry and kept birds may be found on the Defra's avian flu advice.
Keepers should familiarise themselves with Defra's avian flu advice and report suspicion of disease to APHA on Tel: 0300 0200 301.
Defra's Bluetongue advice
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease caused by infection with bluetongue virus. Bluetongue virus is mainly spread by biting midges.
Bluetongue virus affects:
- sheep
- cattle
- other ruminants such as deer and goats
- camelids such as llamas and alpacas
Spot and report it
If you suspect bluetongue, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England.
Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. This means if you do not report it, you're breaking the law.
It is important that all livestock keepers familiarise themselves with the symptoms of notifiable diseases in animals. These are diseases that because of their seriousness must, where there is any suspicion, be notified immediately to the Divisional Veterinary Manager of Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA a DEFRA agency). In Buckinghamshire and Surrey the number to call is 01284 778150.
For more information please see the following information from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Gov.uk:
- notifiable diseases in animals
- disease prevention for livestock farmers
- keeping livestock healthy, disease controls and prevention
Important information regarding wild birds
- Dead wild birds may be infected so don't touch them unless wearing suitable protective clothing. When found on publicly owned land and a decision is taken to remove them, it is the local authorities' responsibility to safely dispose of the carcases as animal by-products.
- Poultry keepers and members of the public should consult Defra's latest guidance please see Defra's avian flu advice to check the threshold for reporting dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and not touch or pick them up.
