How to Dispose of a Dead Pigeon Safely (UK Bird Flu Guidance)

If you find a dead pigeon in the UK, the government’s advice is not to touch it and to report it to Defra, online or on 03459 33 55 77, so it can be considered for bird flu testing. If you have to move it yourself, cover your skin, wear gloves, put the bird in a tied bag inside a second bag, put it in your outdoor bin, and wash your hands well afterwards.

Step 1: Report it

Defra’s report dead wild birds (opens in new tab) service covers England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own guidance. You will be asked where you found it, what kind of bird it is and how many there are. Not every reported bird is collected.

Outside the UK: in the US, report sick or dead wild birds to your state wildlife agency (see the USDA guide to finding a dead wild bird (opens in new tab)). In Canada, report them to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (opens in new tab). In Australia, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. In New Zealand, call the Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 80 99 66 if you find three or more sick or dead birds together. In Ireland, use the Department of Agriculture’s Avian Check (opens in new tab) app.

For pigeons and doves, the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s collection threshold is five or more dead birds at the same place.

If you think the bird was poisoned, call the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme free on 0800 321 600. If you think it was killed illegally, report it to the police. In the UK it is an offence to intentionally kill a pigeon except under licence.

Step 2: If you must move it

UK government guidance for the public says that if you cannot avoid handling a dead bird at home you should: 1. Wear long sleeves and trousers. 2. Wear gloves, with disposable gloves or a plastic bag over them. 3. Wear a face mask if you have one. 4. Hold the bird away from your face and keep it outside. 5. Put the bird, and anything disposable that touched it, into a bag. Tie it, then put that bag inside a second, preferably leak-proof bag and tie that too. 6. Put it in your outdoor household bin. 7. Wipe any surfaces it touched with disposable cleaning wipes. 8. Wash your clothes and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Can I bury a dead pigeon?

Government guidance for the public describes bagging the bird and putting it in the outdoor bin, not burial. That is the simplest and safest option.

Dead pigeons in public places

For a dead pigeon on a pavement, road or in a park, the RSPCA advises reporting it to your local council. Report it to Defra too.

Dead pigeons in netting

The RSPCA asks people who find a dead pigeon trapped in netting, or a place where birds keep getting trapped, to email wildlife@rspca.org.uk with the address, the property owner if known, and the date. Live trapped birds are an emergency: in England and Wales, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8960.

Dead racing pigeons

If the dead bird has a GB ring, you can text the ring number and “dead” to the RPRA on 07888 860186 so the owner is told. See what to do if you find a racing pigeon.

Is a dead pigeon dangerous?

The risk to people is low, but some infections, including bird flu and psittacosis, can pass from birds. Government guidance notes that bird flu in people is rare but can be serious. See do pigeons carry diseases.

When to see an avian vet or contact a rescue

If other pigeons nearby look ill (fluffed up, wobbly, twisted necks, closed eyes), do not handle them. In England and Wales, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8960 for advice; elsewhere, use the reporting contacts above. See sick pigeon symptoms.

FAQ

What does a dead pigeon mean?

Symbolism varies between cultures. See pigeon symbolism.

Why are there dead pigeons in my garden?

Common reasons are a sparrowhawk or cat kill, disease, or flying into a window. Several dead birds in one place should be reported to Defra.

This guide is general information. If a bird is injured or seriously ill, contact an avian vet or a wildlife rescue as soon as you can.

Sources

Last reviewed: 21 October 2026

Last updated 24 October 2026 · Handling