Animal welfare
Animal diseases
Some animal diseases, like foot and mouth and anthrax, are 'notifiable' and have to be reported to the Council, the Police and DEFRA. If you suspect any animals are suffering from a notifiable disease, or would like a list of notifiable diseases, contact the Commercial Team.
Avian Influenza
On 20 November 2008 the UK became officially free from avian influenza, sometimes known as bird flu. This will greatly assist negotiations by Defra and industry partners to regain access to overseas markets. Trade with other EU countries resumed on 8 July 2008, under separate EU rules on avian influenza.
For further information on the latest situation visit Animal Diseases|
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It is vital that all bird keepers in the UK continue to practice the highest levels of biosecurity and be vigilant for any signs of disease. If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. If you suspect that your birds have avian influenza, you should report it to your local Animal Health Office immediately. In Calderdale you should contact the Commercial Team.
Wild birds and kept birds
The Defra advice given here applies in all circumstances where members of the public may come across dead birds.
Since September 2010, members of the public, have been asked to report incidents where they find 5 or more dead birds in the same place and at the same time by contacting the Defra Helpline (08459 33 55 77). This is due to changes being made to the UK’s programme for surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds.
If you find any single dead birds (or less than 5), including garden birds then you do not need to call the Defra helpline. You should leave the bodies alone, or follow the guidelines for disposal given by DEFRA.
For advice for keepers of birds and animals, and for members of the public: Biosecurity|.
Bovine TB
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease of warm-blooded mammals arising from infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex. This is part of a group of closely related bacteria that includes those responsible for tuberculosis in animals and in humans.
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is one of the most complex animal health problems currently facing the farming industry in Great Britain. It is a notifiable disease and suspicion of the disease must be reported to your local Animal Health office.
- For information on Bovine TB including Parish testing: Bovine TB|.
- For answers about routine TB Testing intervals: Animal Health|.
Foot and Mouth Disease
Foot and Mouth Disease is an infectious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, in particular cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer.
If you keep animals and you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you must immediately notify your local Animal Health Office.
Further information
Please call the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. The helpline is available for telephone and email enquiries between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
If you do not have regular access to the internet you can listen to the latest news by dialling 0844 884 4600. The information line will be updated regularly.
Alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact the Animal Health Team on 01422 392373.
