New measures to better protect the poultry sector from future
avian influenza outbreaks have been set out by the government
today (19 March).
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.
This will help to manage potential disease outbreaks, such as
avian influenza and Newcastle disease, and limit any spread.
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.”
Sheila Voas, CVO Scotland said:
“These changes to bird registration are a necessary step to help
protect the health of kept birds and the general public from
future avian disease risks.”
“We have faced challenges during previous outbreaks in clearly
communicating the changes in both risk and mandatory biosecurity
requirements to bird keepers, particularly smallholders and
backyard keepers. This approach will enable us all to be better
prepared and protected against a future pandemic.”
Richard Irvine, CVO Wales said:
“The new registration requirements will make it easier for bird
keepers and government to work together to track and control the
spread of notifiable avian diseases in Wales. APHA will also
be able to contact bird keepers if there’s a notifiable disease
outbreak in their area, for example bird flu, which in turn will
help prevent the spread of disease and protect flocks.
“It is important to remember that scrupulous hygiene and
biosecurity remain essential to protect flocks from the threat of
disease.
“Bird keepers have worked hard to protect their birds from the
risks of avian influenza and I want to thank them for their
continued efforts.”
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.
Further information on the registration of birds can be found on
GOV.UK, gov.scot and gov.wales.
