An eye for the birds!

Bird flu

Unless you have been asleep in a concrete bunker for the last couple of months you will have heard about the increasing chance of the HN51 disease, or as it is more commonly know “avian flu” arriving in the UK. As yet, it hasn’t happened, the closest reported case is in France, but it’s creeping ever closer. So, should you be worried if you see dead birds?

The latest advice from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on this subject is pretty straightforward. If you find one or more dead swans/wild fowl (ducks and geese), more than three dead birds of the same species or more than five dead birds of different species, in the same place, you should contact the Defra helpline (08459 33 55 77). Currently it is available Monday - Friday, 8am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 6pm.You will be asked for details of your finding and its location.

One little bird

With avian flu, Defra are only interested in the deaths of a number of birds, particularly of the same species and in the same place. The only time they are interested in a single death is if it’s a swan. Single bird deaths are quite normal, particularly where there is a high population of birds or if food is scarce or the weather extremely severe.

Is there a risk from dead birds?

Although the risk of avian flu may be low, birds can carry other respiratory infections that can infect humans. They can also carry infections that can cause gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter (the latter leading to food-poisoning or Gastroenteritis). Pigeons, for example, have been given the title “rats with feathers” due to their ability to harbour and transfer bacteria and diseases. Good hygiene is therefore of great importance to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the hands.

Tip. If dead birds, such as pigeons, are handled, it is important to wash your hands, nails and forearms with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid touching your face and certainly do not eat until you have washed. Clean any soiling on clothing with soap and water. It is also recommended that you wear protective clothing such as disposable gloves before handling the carcass.

Preventing the problem

There are a number of bird control techniques that can be carried out by you or pest control contractors to prevent pigeons from roosting on your premises. They have varying degrees of success. Pigeons can be deterred from using common perching and roosting sites, such as window ledges and roofs, by fitting stainless steel wires suspended and sprung at the correct height to prevent the birds from landing.