On 1st October 2024, new regulations around bird registration came into effect across the UK. If you keep poultry or certain other types of birds, it’s crucial to understand these changes and why registration is an important step to ensure both the health of your flock and public safety.
Why Is It Important to Register?
Bird registration is a vital part of the UK's efforts to prevent and manage the spread of avian diseases, particularly avian influenza (bird flu). When outbreaks occur, it is crucial for the government and local authorities to have accurate data on where birds are being kept, how many there are, and what types of species are present. This enables them to:
1. Track Disease Spread: Registration helps authorities respond quickly to outbreaks by targeting areas where birds are at risk. Early detection and intervention can prevent the rapid spread of diseases across the country.
2. Control and Prevent Outbreaks: By knowing where poultry and bird collections are located, authorities can impose necessary measures like movement restrictions, testing, and culling (if needed) to control and contain disease outbreaks.
3. Health and Safety Compliance: Keeping up with these regulations ensures you are complying with national biosecurity measures. In the event of an outbreak, failure to register may result in penalties, and worse, you could be unknowingly contributing to the spread of a highly contagious disease.
4. Receive Essential Guidance: Registered bird keepers will receive up-to-date information and advice on managing their birds during disease outbreaks, which can be critical to protecting your flock.
Who Needs to Register?
Under the new regulations, registration applies not only to commercial poultry farms but also to smaller keepers, including those who keep birds for personal enjoyment. Here's a breakdown of which birds must be registered:
Poultry Keepers
If you keep *50 or more poultry*, you are required by law to register your birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) within 1 month. This applies to anyone keeping chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl, whether for commercial purposes or as backyard pets. Even if you keep fewer than 50 poultry birds, voluntary registration is highly encouraged.
Other Types of Birds
Aside from traditional poultry, the following bird categories must also be registered:
- Game Birds: Those raising game birds, such as pheasants or partridges, need to register if they have a flock size of 50 or more.
- Waterfowl: Swans, ducks, and other waterfowl need to be registered if they meet the flock size threshold.
- Exotic Birds and Aviary Collections: Owners of large aviaries or zoos that house parrots, finches, or other exotic species must also register.
The registration applies whether the birds are kept for commercial farming, conservation, or as pets. If you have an aviary or you keep birds of prey in larger numbers, it's important to check with the APHA if registration is required for your flock.
How to Register Your Birds
To register your birds, you can complete the form available on the UK Government website or contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The process is straightforward and requires you to provide details such as:
- The type and number of birds you keep
- The location of your birds
- Contact details of the keeper
- The purpose of keeping the birds (e.g., commercial, breeding, pets)
Don't wait—if you haven’t already, be sure to register your poultry and other birds by following the guidelines to ensure compliance and safeguard your birds.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/poultry-registration