Certain wild bird diseases are a danger to other wildlife and some such as avian influenza (also known as bird flu) can also threaten our health. E&J is contracted by Defra and Apha to collect small samples of some dead wild birds for post mortem inspection and testing at official veterinary laboratories. You can help by reporting any sightings of dead birds via the online form at Gov.uk Alternatively, if you do find a single dead bird of prey, swan, goose, duck, seabird or gull or five or more dead wild birds of any other species, you can also use the dedicated phone line: 03459 33 55 77. Collection thresholds may vary. For an up-to-date list, visit the surveillance collection thresholds page.
Why are we collecting dead wild birds? 
E&J act as agents for collection of some wild dead birds so they can be tested for diseases such as avian influenza and understand how diseases may be spreading.
What types of dead wild birds should be reported?
If you find a dead wild bird – a bird of prey, swan, duck, goose, gull or seabird, or 5 or more other wild bird species, you can help by reporting the sighting on the gov.uk website at: How to report dead wild birds or by calling the Defra helpline 03459 33 55 77.
Types of Birds
Birds of prey
Such as owls, hawks or buzzards
Corvids
Such as crows, ravens, rooks, magpies, jackdaws and jays
Gamebirds
Such as pheasants, partridges and grouse
Songbirds and garden birds
Such as sparrows, tits, blackbirds, finches, starlings and robins
Rails and crakes
Such as moorhens and coots
Herons and egrets
Includes cranes, bitterns, spoonbills and storks
Gulls, seabirds and waders
Such as puffins, gannets, guillemots, cormorants, kittiwakes, avocets, curlews, oystercatcher and plovers
Ducks, Geese, Swans, Pigeons, Doves and Other wild birds
How do I report the illness and deaths of other birds?
If you want to report the illness and deaths of other birds, you can still ring the helpline to seek further advice and guidance.
Defra helpline: 03459 33 55 77
Why do collection teams wear protective clothing?
Some diseases carried by wild birds can be harmful to human health. To protect the collectors from disease and minimise the risk of transferring infection, they wear protective clothing and use special equipment to collect and transport the birds.
Where will the dead birds be taken?
The dead birds are taken to the nearest available veterinary laboratory for further investigation and post mortem if it is felt necessary.
Will we hear about the results of any post mortem?
Unless there is need for further investigation or if a disease is identified that may threaten the health of other birds, animals or people, you will not be informed of the results.
Should I be handling the ill or dead birds?
No, do not touch any dead birds, but use the online form so they can be collected safely.
Do I need to be concerned about the health of any other animals near to the dead birds?
Most diseases are species specific but certain health threats such as toxins may threaten the health of other animals and humans. That is why it is important to report sightings of dead wild birds.
Do you collect any other wildlife?
E&J collectors may also need to collect small mammals weighing less than 20kg from time to time.
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