Wildlife

Wild Waterfowl: Avian Influenza Welfare and Response

Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in waterfowl populations cause acute welfare harm requiring coordinated response.

Key Facts

HPAI H5N1 killed thousands of geese, ducks, and swans in UK outbreaks 2021-2024
Infected birds show neurological signs including circling, paralysis, and convulsions before death
Safe reporting and disposal of dead birds prevents disease spread to other animals
Biosecurity at wildfowl reserves reduces transmission risk during outbreak periods

Welfare Considerations

HPAI-infected waterfowl experience neurological suffering from circling and paralysis before death. Mass mortality events cause welfare harm at population scale. Rapid reporting and appropriate biosecurity reduce spread and limit total welfare impact across affected populations.

What You Can Do

Report dead or sick waterfowl to APHA (03000 200 301) during HPAI alert periods
Do not handle dead birds - photograph and report location instead
Support WWT and RSPB biosecurity measures at waterfowl reserves during outbreaks