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- Avian Flu
There is an outbreak of Avian Flu amongst our wild birds in the Hastings and Rother area.
You may see dead or sick birds along the beach here and elsewhere.
The most recent case in Sussex was confirmed in commercial poultry on 17 January 2025 at a premises near Rye, Rother. The nature reserve is outside of the 3km Protection Zone, but within the 10km Surveillance Zone. The rules for these zone relate to bird keepers, commercial or otherwise, rather than wild birds: Bird flu: rules in disease control zones in England.
Do not touch dead or sick birds and keep dogs away from them.
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).
For more information
Please see Defra's advice to the public and latest guidance
