In a significant move to bolster defences against avian influenza (AI), the British government announced new mandatory bird registration requirements. This policy change, made on 19th March 2024, expands registration to encompass all bird keepers, regardless of flock size. Previously, only those keeping 50 or more birds were required to register. This follows on from the government’s recent declaration that Great Britain was free from avian influenza and comes from the need to react quickly to any future outbreaks.
Bird keepers in England and Wales are asked to register their birds as early as possible before the official deadline, 1st October 2024. Scottish bird keepers will be able to register their flocks starting 1st September 2024 with the introduction of the new Scottish Kept Bird Register.
The need for improved disease control measures became tragically clear during the late 2021 bird flu outbreak, the most devastating in the UK’s history. As Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), explained, “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 comprehensive data will be instrumental in future outbreak management.
Benefits for bird keepers and birds
By registering their birds, keepers and bird hobbyists will become active participants in protecting their flocks and the wider bird population. Registration will require information such as contact details, bird location, species, number, and the purpose for keeping the birds (e.g. pets, eggs). This information sharing, as Richard Irvine, CVO Wales, highlighted, “will make it easier for bird keepers and government to work together to track and control the spread of notifiable avian diseases in Wales.”
The benefits are twofold. Bird keepers will receive crucial updates on local disease outbreaks and biosecurity measures, empowering them to take preventive action to shield their flocks. Additionally, this information will allow authorities to implement targeted communication strategies, ensuring bird keepers receive the most relevant information based on their location and bird types. As Sheila Voas, CVO Scotland, pointed out, “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 new system aims to bridge that gap and keep everyone informed.
Enhanced disease management and faster response
With a complete picture of bird populations, authorities can swiftly identify potential hotspots, track the spread of the virus, and implement effective control zones. Tools like the Livetec Systems App, which provides real-time bird flu outbreak data are also a must-have resource for keepers to protect their birds. These early detection and intervention strategies and tools will reduce an outbreak’s impact, shrinking the numbers on bird deaths and the disruption to trade caused by prolonged restrictions.
Who needs to register?
The new registration system applies to a wide range of bird owners, including those with backyard flocks, birds of prey, and pigeon fanciers. It’s important to note that caged pet birds (excluding poultry species) kept entirely indoors, such as parrots, canaries, or budgies, are exempt from the registration requirement. These domestic birds pose minimal risk as they never leave the property, except for occasional vet visits.
A collaborative effort for a healthy future
The new bird registration system signifies a collaborative effort between bird keepers and the Government. By working together, they can create a more robust defence system against bird flu and ensure the health and safety of birds across Great Britain. As Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council (BPC) stated, “New registration requirements are a good step towards supporting birdkeepers and Government to collaborate seamlessly to combat disease spread.” The spirit of cooperation is vital in safeguarding the well-being of birds and public health in the face of future avian influenza threats.
How the Livetec Systems App can give you advanced notice of a disease outbreak
Having an early warning system in place to let you know if bird flu is in your area can help you safeguard your birds when threats are close. The Livetec Systems App does just that, and it’s free.
Download it today:
From the App Store here
From Google Play here
