New laws to help protect poultry from bird flu will be rolled out next month.
Bird keepers are reminded that there is a month to go until the new measures are in place.
This includes a legal deadline which comes into force on October 1 for all bird keepers – regardless of the size of their flock – to officially register themselves with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, if they have not already done so.
Registering birds is important in the prevention and control of notifiable avian disease outbreaks. The register is used to communicate with keepers to inform them about measures they need to take to protect the health of their birds and to prevent the spread of disease.
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 information will also be used to identify all bird keepers in disease control zones, allowing for more effective completion of surveillance activities, so that zones can be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity enabling trade to resume swiftly following an outbreak of avian disease in Great Britain.
For bird keepers who have already registered and whose details haven’t changed, there is no action needed.
For those looking to update an existing registration and who already have a CPH number, contact the APHA registration team directly by phone or email [email protected].
Richard Griffiths, British Poultry Council chief executive, said: “Registration is a tool to have in the toolbox, allowing birdkeepers and Government to work together to track and combat avian influenza. Alongside stringent biosecurity, registration means all birdkeepers should receive important updates and timely communication, amplifying efforts to safeguard bird health as we move into the colder months.”
The UK has self-declared freedom from HPAI for Great Britain with effect from March 29. There are currently no outbreaks of HPAI in poultry or other captive birds in the UK. However, HN51 continues to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe and keepers should remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.
More information can be found about how to register as a bird keeper and where to send your application and about what keepers need to know.
