Once again the UK is under restrictions due to an increasing number of cases of bird flu around the country. Given the zoonotic potential of the disease i.e. risk of causing disease in humans, it is important that members of the public DO NOT TOUCH SICK OR DEAD WILD BIRDS. The animal health and plant agency (APHA) advises that finders of sick, or dead, birds should report them either by calling them on 03459 33 55 77 or by using their online reporting service on the gov.uk website. Waterfowl seem especially affected, with reports of a high number of geese fatalities locally. Please do not try and bring a sick bird to the practice as you will be advised to return it to where it was found and contact the APHA. If you find an injured bird then please call the surgery to discuss the case. All bird consultations, wildlife and owned birds, will need to wait outside to be assessed, please do not try and bring birds into the building unless a vet has made an assessment and advised you that it is ok to do so.