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.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
For information about infectious diseases and public health incidents.
Telephone: 020 3814 4000
NHS England (London) / Southwest London ICB
Coordinates the surge capacity across regional hospitals (like Croydon University Hospital)
Telephone: 020 8401 3000
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