Warning to dog owners after 337 cases of deadly illness in UK

Warning to dog owners after 337 cases of deadly illness in UK A vet has explained how to avoid the disease and the symptoms to watch for Dog owners are being urged to take extra care on their autumn walks after the Government confirmed hundreds of cases of a fatal illness across the UK. 337 wild birds have tested positive for bird flu across the UK so far in 2026. before the country heads into the time of year traditionally associated with increased bird flu activity. The UK typically experiences a seasonal rise in avian influenza linked to infected migratory birds during the winter months. Dr Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com explained what dog owners should do if they encounter sick or dead birds while out walking this autumn. The latest data records positive cases across the country, including 23 in Aberdeenshire, 18 in the Highlands, 14 in Northumberland, 13 in Greater London, 11 in Lancashire and 10 in West Yorkshire. Never let your dog investigate a dead bird “While bird flu primarily affects birds, avian influenza virus can infect mammals, including dogs, so pets should be kept away from sick or dead wild birds, as well as their droppings, feathers and carcasses. Dogs explore the world with their noses and mouths, so unfortunately a dead bird lying on the ground can be really interesting to them. “However, owners should never allow their dog to sniff, lick, pick up or eat a dead or visibly unwell wild bird. “If you spot a dead bird ahead, call your dog back and give it plenty of space. If your dog has a habit of scavenging or running off to investigate wildlife, keeping them on a lead in areas where dead birds have been reported can give you much more control.” Be especially careful around water “Lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers and coastal areas are places where dog walkers naturally encounter waterbirds such as ducks, geese, swans and gulls. A single dead bird doesn’t automatically mean bird flu, and owners shouldn’t panic if they see one. However, finding several dead or unwell wild birds in the same area is something that should be reported rather than investigated yourself. “Don’t allow your dog to approach the birds, and avoid touching or moving them yourself. If necessary, turn around or choose another walking route so your dog can’t come into contact with the birds or surrounding feathers.” A bird isn’t safe just because it’s still alive “It’s not only dead birds that owners should avoid. If you see a wild bird behaving unusually or appearing visibly unwell, keep yourself and your dog at a safe distance. “Some infected birds may not show obvious signs of illness, so the simplest rule for owners is to prevent their dog from having close contact with wild birds wherever possible.” What should you do if you find dead wild birds? “As animal lovers, our instinct can be to go over and check what’s happened, but the safest and most useful thing you can do is keep your distance and report what you’ve found. Dead wild birds can be reported to Defra through the government’s online reporting service. Make a note of where you found them, the type of birds, if you can identify them, and roughly how many there are, without approaching the carcasses to get a closer look.” “These reports are really useful because they help authorities monitor where disease is circulating and determine whether birds need to be collected and tested.” What if my dog has already touched a dead bird? “If your dog has already picked up, eaten or had close contact with a sick or dead wild bird, move them away from the area and prevent any further contact. Don’t put yourself at risk by handling a potentially infected carcass with your bare hands. “If you’re concerned about the level of contact your dog has had or about their health afterwards, contact your vet for advice, and explain that they have had contact with a sick or dead wild bird.” Signs owners should look out for in their dog “If your dog has come into contact with a sick or dead wild bird, it’s important to keep a closer eye on their health afterwards. Look out for more general signs that your dog may be unwell too, such as lethargy, a loss of appetite or simply seeming quieter or out of sorts compared with their normal behaviour. “Owners should also pay attention to any unusual changes in their dog’s health or behaviour, especially signs of respiratory illness, such as difficulty breathing, alongside neurological symptoms such as problems with coordination, balance or other unusual behaviours.” Why owners should be extra careful in autumn “Bird flu isn’t restricted to one specific time of year, but autumn and winter are important periods to be aware of because migratory birds can contribute to increased circulation. For most dog owners, this doesn’t mean changing where you walk completely. It simply means being a little more observant, especially around waterways and places with large wild bird populations.”