Avian Flu Confirmed in Stratford-upon-Avon
Public urged not to touch sick or dead birds – as avian influenza confirmed by Defra in Warwickshire.
Published: 6 January 2026
Press release from Stratford on Avon District Council
Avian influenza has been confirmed in a number of geese along the river Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have confirmed avian influenza A(H5N1) is currently present in the wild bird population.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now urging people who are near the river Avon and the surrounding area not to touch any sick or dead wild birds. The UKHSA, Warwickshire County Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council are working together with APHA to manage the situation, protect public health, and reduce the risk to other birds.
If you find a sick or dead bird, please contact the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or visit the Report dead wild birds webpage on the GOV.UK website.
For those visiting Stratford and the surrounding areas, please:
- Thoroughly wash hands in soap and water. Hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol can be used as an alternative but this is less effective.
- Stay on the footpaths and keep dogs on leads.
- Avoid touching or picking up dead or sick birds.
- Do not handle feathers or any surfaces that may be contaminated by droppings.
It is likely that avian flu is circulating more widely than Stratford. If anyone sees sick or dead birds by waterways or on private land in the surrounding areas in Warwickshire, do not touch them and call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77
