New rules on bird keeping will come into force in England and Wales from 1 October 2023. Everyone who keeps birds will have to register themselves with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Currently only bird keepers who keep 50 or more birds need to register, but the new requirements mean that everyone who keeps birds will have to register apart from those who keep birds as pets or keep them solely indoors without any outside access. The aim of the policy is to improve the ability to monitor diseases such as bird flu and therefore hasten any necessary interventions to prevent the spread of these diseases.
In a statement, Huw Irranca Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
‘This new requirement will allow us to communicate with bird keepers effectively, which is vital in helping us to manage disease outbreaks such as bird flu.
We encourage all keepers in Wales to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline on 1st October.’
Richard Irvine, CVO Wales, said:
‘The new registration requirements from 1st October will help bird keepers to protect their flocks. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will be able to contact bird keepers if there’s a notifiable disease outbreak in their area, such as bird flu, to inform them about actions they need to take to protect the health of their birds, and to prevent the spread of disease.
It is important to remember that scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity remain essential to protect flocks from the threat of disease.
Bird keepers have worked hard to protect their flocks from the risks of avian influenza in recent years and I want to thank them for their continued efforts.’
Follow this link to the Welsh Government’s website for more information about the new policy and how to register.
