New measures to better protect the poultry sector from future avian influenza outbreaks have been set out by the government.
Under the changes announced there will be new requirements for all bird keepers – regardless of the size of their flock – to officially register their poultry on the national register by 1 October 2024. Currently only those who keep 50 or more poultry must do so, limiting the effectiveness of our national disease control measures.
By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as on any local avian disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks.
The information on the register will also be used to identify all bird keepers in disease control zones, allowing for more effective surveillance, so that zones can be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity and trade can resume more quickly following an outbreak of avian disease in Great Britain.
The changes come following the UK’s worst ever outbreak of avian influenza, with more than 360 cases across Great Britain since late October 2021, including in a significant number of backyard flocks.
Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer said: “These new rules will enable us to have a full picture of the number and location of birds kept across Great Britain, making it easier to track and manage the spread of avian disease.
“This information will be vital in helping to inform future risk assessments and maintain our commitment to continually building our extensive avian influenza research portfolio.”
Richard Griffiths, BPC Chief Executive, said: “New registration requirements are a good step towards supporting birdkeepers and Government to collaborate seamlessly to combat disease spread. Timely communication ensures all birdkeepers receive important updates and stay informed, amplifying efforts to work together to track and control the spread of avian influenza. Alongside stringent biosecurity measures, registration is another tool in the toolbox to safeguard bird health.”
This proposal follows a 2023 GB consultation and takes forward the recommendation from the 2018 Dame Glenys Stacey Review and lessons identified from the 2021/2022 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak and previous HPAI outbreaks. This change to bird registration is required in order to protect the health of all poultry and other captive birds in GB and also public health.
Bird keepers will need to provide information, including their contact details, the location where birds are kept and details of the birds (species, number and what they are kept for).
In England and Wales keepers are encouraged to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline on 1 October 2024. In Scotland, keepers should register from 1 September 2024 when there will be a new Scottish Kept Bird Register in place.
The new rules cover owners of backyard flocks, birds of prey and pigeon fanciers, but do not affect caged pet birds (excluding any poultry species) kept entirely inside a domestic dwelling, such as a parrot, canary or budgie, which never leaves the property other than to visit a vet or another short-term period.
The requirements will be set out in legislation shortly and keepers will also be legally required to update their information on an annual basis.