Avian Influenza

Removing and disposing of dead wild birds

Public land

We are responsible for the removal of dead wild animals from the public highway.

If the carcass is within 10 metres of a watercourse, responsibility may rest with the Environment Agency.

Private land

On private land, the owner of the land is responsible for removing it.

Reporting

You should report dead wild birds. Reports help explain where bird flu is in Great Britain and in which types of wild birds.

Not all dead wild birds have been infected with bird flu.

Disposing

If you find small numbers of dead garden birds at your home you can dispose of them in your household waste bin (or you can bury them).

If you dispose of a dead wild bird with your household waste, you should:

1. Pick it up wearing disposable gloves or a plastic bag over your hand
2. Put the bird in a plastic bag and tie it. Make sure the bird does not touch the outside of the bag
3. Put the bird in a second (preferably leak proof) plastic bag, along with the gloves or plastic bag you used to pick it up and tie it. Take care not to touch the outside of the gloves with bare hands
4. Put it in your outside household or municipal waste bin
5. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

If you bury a dead wild bird, you should:

• dig a hole at least 60cm deep to stop animals digging it up
• not bury it in a plastic bag (if you use a plastic bag to pick the bird up put it in your outside household or municipal waste bin)
• not bury it near any watercourses or in a place where it could contaminate local water supplies
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you’ve finished

Email [email protected] for support if you have larger numbers of dead birds that need to be disposed of.

Risks to humans

The risk of bird flu passing from infected dead birds to humans is low. You can read NHS guidance on the risks to humans from bird flu.

If you’re concerned about symptoms, phone the NHS on 111.

Last updated 05 November 2025