Defra has announced compulsory registration requirements for all bird keepers in Great Britain as part of a new measure to combat avian influenza outbreaks. Under the changes there will be new requirements for all bird keepers in England and Wales, regardless of the size of their flock, to officially register their birds by 1st October 2024.
Owners will need to provide information, including their contact details, the location where birds are kept and details of the birds, such as species, number and what they are kept for. Keepers will also be legally required to update their information on an annual basis.
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.
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 Great Britain and also public health. The requirements will be set out in legislation shortly.
Defra are encouraging keepers in England and Wales to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline on 1st October 2024.
Further information on the registration of birds can be found on GOV.UK and gov.wales.
