Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease of birds caused by influenza viruses closely related to human influenza viruses. It is an important disease economically for poultry farmers because of losses in poultry flocks.
Transmission to humans in close contact with poultry or other birds occurs rarely and only with some strains of avian influenza. The potential for transformation of avian influenza into a form that both causes severe disease in humans and spreads easily from person to person is a great concern for world health.
Great Britain Poultry Register
Poultry keepers with fifty birds or more are required by law to register them with the great britain poulty register. If you have less than this you can register voluntarily. If DEFRA know where your birds are kept and how many you have, they will be able to communicate with you quickly and help manage any potential disease outbreak by targeting resources where they are needed most.
Visit the DEFRA website for further details.