Sharon Redrobe

BSc(Hons) BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVS


Sharon is based at Bristol Zoo Gardens as the Head of Veterinary Services.


Bird Flu

Guidance on handling and disposing of dead garden and wild birds
The advice given here applies in all circumstances where members of the
public may come across a dead bird.

If you find a dead swan, goose or duck or three or more dead wild, or
garden birds together in the same place, please report this to Defra,
via the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. The current Defra helpline
opening hours are Monday to Friday 6.00 am to 10.00 pm and Saturday and
Sunday 6.00 am to 10.00 pm.

They may wish to have the birds examined for signs of specific diseases.
They will advise you on what action you should take.

If the dead bird is a single, small garden, or wild bird then you do not
need to call Defra.

You should:
* leave it alone, or
* follow the guidelines below for disposal
People should follow some simple hygiene precautions should minimise the
risk of infection. It is hard for people to catch avian influenza from
birds and the following simple steps are also effective against avian
influenza.

If you have to move a dead bird
1. Avoid touching the bird with your bare hands
2. If possible, wear disposable protective gloves when picking up
and handling (if disposable gloves are not available
3. Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic bag, preferably leak
proof. Care should be taken not to contaminate the outside of the bag
4. Tie the bag and place it in a second plastic bag
5. Remove gloves by turning them inside out and then place them in
the second plastic bag. Tie the bag and dispose of in the normal
household refuse bin.
6. Hands should then be washed thoroughly with soap and water
7. If disposable gloves are not available, a plastic bag can be
used as a make-shift glove. When the dead bird has been picked up, the
bag can be turned back on itself and tied. It should then be placed in a
second plastic bag, tied and disposed of in the normal household waste
8. Alternatively, the dead bird can be buried, but not in a plastic
bag
9. Any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird should
be washed using ordinary washing detergent at the temperature normally
used for washing the clothing.
10. Any contaminated indoor surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned
with normal household cleaner.

BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets
An essential part of the library for any veterinary practise. It forms an excellent basis on which to manage the care of exotic animals ranging from rabbits to reptiles and birds.
Manual of Ornithology: Avian Structure and Function
A visual guide to the structure and anatomy of birds
Reptile Medicine and Surgery
The FIRST complete reference to the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of the full range of reptilian and amphibian medical and surgical conditions.
Sharon Redrobe
sharon@redrobe.com
 
Fax: +44 (0)117 973 6814 Redrobe.com 2004