If you have a sick or injured chicken or duck…

Please contact us by telephone - regardless of history, all poultry/waterfowl must currently be telephone assessed by a vet prior to attending the practice.

The vet will make a decision as to whether to see your bird:

o   Outside the practice – if they have any concerns about Avian Influenza

o   Inside the practice - if they are satisfied that there is a very low risk of Avian Influenza

Our team may wear additional PPE to examine your bird when you arrive, and you may be asked to wait outside with your bird on arrival.

Your bird may be seen in a different area of the practice to other pets – this is to protect both your own, and other, bird(s) who visit the practice.

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Wild birds…

Members of the public should not pick up obviously sick birds, or handle dead birds.

Guidance for dead wild birds:

Members of the public finding dead wild birds should report them to Defra via the online reporting system (above)

Members of the public should not touch, pick up or transport dead or sick birds.

If you have found a dead wild bird, please DO NOT bring it into the practice

PLEASE CALL THE PRACTICE FOR FURTHER ADVICE

Please use the Defra reporting system for dead wild birds at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds

Or call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77)

The exact location using What3words, postcode, or map coordinates of where the carcase was found is required as part of the reporting system.

DEFRA may arrange to collect the carcase(s) for further testing.

Guidance for sick or injured wild birds:

Sick birds may be reported to the RSPCA (0300 1234 999) where an in-situ assessment and further course of action will be taken, including euthanasia and disposal if appropriate.

However, members of the public should be aware that ultimately the local council is responsible.

If you have found a sick or injured wild bird, please DO NOT bring it into the practice

PLEASE CALL THE PRACTICE FOR FURTHER ADVICE

Vets are obliged to provide appropriate first aid and emergency care to wild birds under the RCVS Code and this may include, but will not always be, immediate euthanasia.

Please note that we are currently unable to pass wild bird casualties on to our local rescue / rehabilitation centres.