New measures just announced to protect poultry industry against bird flu 

Today, 19th March, Defra introduced new requirements for all bird keepers, regardless of flock size, to officially register their birds.  

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. 

Avian flu 

As all UK poultry farmers are aware by now, bird flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. 

The disease is caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. It mostly spreads from bird to bird through direct or indirect contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions or droppings, as well as through predation/scavenging. 

There are several ways by which the disease is spread, including by contaminated poultry, their excretions and secretions and/or contaminated objects. 

Farmers cannot vaccinate poultry or most captive birds against bird flu in England. 

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. 

Easier to track 

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.” 

Register before the deadline 

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 1st October 2024. In Scotland, keepers should register from 1st 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. 

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