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<p>The events that led to the dead pheasants being found in the river in the Howardian
Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are unknown. However, pheasants which are
killed during a game shoot, where the birds are shot with the intention of using them
for human consumption and which are then collected would be classified as animal by
products. Disposal of animal by products is regulated and dumping such game carcases
would be an offence. Anyone concerned about the appropriate disposal of dead animals
or non-compliance with avian influenza controls, should contact their local Trading
Standards office in the first instance.</p><p><br> Once game birds have been released,
they are considered to be wild birds under avian influenza rules. The risk of incursion
of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza H5 in wild birds in Great Britain is currently
assessed as very high (i.e. event occurs almost certainly). The risk of wildfowling,
driven game shooting and pigeon shooting activities are not considered to significantly
increase the risk for long distance dispersal beyond that of routine movement of infected
wild birds. Further details on the evidence which supports this risk level can be
found in the Animal and Plant Health Agency Rapid Risk Assessment for spread of Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 from wild birds to poultry from the shooting
of wild waterfowl and wild game (including formerly captive) birds.</p><p><br> Members
of the public should use either the online reporting system to report findings of
dead wild birds or call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77). Reports to the Defra
Helpline of found dead wild birds are triaged and not all birds will be collected.</p>
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