Human and animal health risks

Croydon is home to parks, woodlands and open spaces where people, pets and wildlife live alongside each other. Taking simple precautions can help protect your health, your pets and the wider environment.

Avian influenza (bird flu)

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease that affects wild birds and poultry.

The risk to the public is very low, but you should avoid contact with sick or dead birds.

What to look out for

You may notice:

• multiple dead birds in the same location
• sick wild birds showing signs of illness or distress
• poultry with respiratory problems or unexplained deaths

What you should do

You must:

• not touch dead or sick birds
• keep dogs away from dead birds and animal carcasses
• report dead wild birds - GOV.UK or call 03459 33 55 77
• register as a bird keeper - GOV.UK and follow biosecurity guidance if you keep poultry or captive birds

Diseases that can spread from animals to people

Some diseases can spread between animals and people. These are known as zoonotic diseases.

Examples include salmonella, leptospirosis (Weil's disease) and Lyme disease.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis can spread through contact with water contaminated by infected animal urine.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease can be spread by infected ticks, which may be found in woodland, long grass and other outdoor environments.

One possible sign of Lyme disease is a circular or bullseye-shaped rash.

How to reduce the risk of infection

You should:

• wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals, cleaning litter trays or spending time outdoors
• cover cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing
• avoid entering stagnant water where possible
• wear long trousers when walking through long grass or woodland
• check yourself, children and pets for ticks after outdoor activities
• remove ticks as soon as possible using a suitable tick-removal tool

If you feel unwell after contact with animals

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you feel unwell after:

• handling animals
• being bitten by a tick
• coming into contact with animal waste

Tell the healthcare professional about any recent contact with animals or outdoor environments that may be relevant.

Contacts

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

For information about animal diseases and biosecurity.

Telephone: 03000 200 301

Visit the Animal and Plant Health Agency website

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

For information about animal disease outbreaks, control measures and environmental health updates.

Visit the DEFRA website

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

For information about infectious diseases and public health incidents.

Telephone: 020 3814 4000

Visit the UKHSA website

NHS England (London) / Southwest London ICB

Coordinates the surge capacity across regional hospitals (like Croydon University Hospital)

Telephone: 020 8401 3000

Visit NHS South London

Croydon Council (Environmental Health and Director of Public Health)

Enforces local health closures, coordinates commercial restrictions, and handles animal carcass control.

Telephone: 020 8726 6000