Avian Flu is a contagious disease spread between birds through contact with infected droppings, feathers, or secretions, with risks increasing during spring and summer due to wild bird activity. Although there is no vaccine, the risk to pet Parrots and humans remains low. Keepers should know the symptoms?such as swollen head, runny eyes, loss of appetite, and poor coordination?and must report any suspicions by law. Indoor?only Parrots do not require registration, but birds that go outdoors or attend events must be registered with the APHA.

Preventative measures include limiting exposure to wild birds, securing food and housing, maintaining clean environments, and controlling pests. Northern Parrots follows all UK government guidance for Avian Flu when organising Think Parrots events, and attendees must register even if their Parrots live indoors.

Avian Flu is a disease spread between birds via direct or indirect contact with infected droppings, feathers, saliva, nasal secretions or through predation.

There is a risk of Avian Flu all year, it?s during the spring and summer months when we see an increase in cases and heightened risk to our Parrots via infected wild birds.

You can check the current status of your area and guidance using the APHA Interactive Avian Influenza Disease Map

Whilst there is currently no vaccine for bird flu. Please be assured the risk to pet Parrots remains low. As too the risk to humans.

The signs of bird flu are listed in full on the gov.uk website but include:

?Swollen head

?Closed and runny eyes

?Lack of appetite

?Lack of co-ordination

You must let the authorities know if you suspect bird flu. You will be breaking the law if you don?t. A procedure is in place with the local government.

If your Parrots are always fully housed in your home or indoor structure, and never have access to open air, then there is no requirement to register as a keeper of birds. This also applies for taking your Parrot to a vet.

If your Parrots do go outdoors to exercise, either in an aviary or other structure open to the air, or go out and about with you in harness or carrier, to be exercised, or to attend a bird gathering or show then it is a legal requirement to register as a keeper of birds.

This is split in to two?

Less than 50 birds

Register here

Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK

50 or more birds

Register here

Register as a keeper of 50 or more poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK

This is to enable the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to contact you during a bird flu outbreak.

To help prevent the spread of Avian Flu and to help protect your feathered friends, there are precautions you can take.

• Prevent contact with wild birds ? potentially using deterrents.
• Prevent contact with ducks or geese (if you keep these) as they do not always show signs of bird flu. This means they can quickly pass it on to other birds
• Keep food, water and bedding in enclosed areas so wild birds cannot access them.
• Maintaining bird houses, aviaries, and sheds to keep the secure.
• Ensure regular cleaning and disinfecting of your bird?s housing and equipment.
• Take preventative measures to control rats and mice as they can spread diseases.

Full details on how to prevent and stop avian flu spreading can be found here: Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading - GOV.UK

Here at Northern Parrots, we work hard each year to adhere to all laws and guidance for avian flu set by the UK government when planning the Think Parrots events. You?ll need to register to come to the show, even if your Parrot normally live indoors.