The authorities says all hen keepers will likely be required to register their flocks beneath new measures to guard the poultry trade from hen flu outbreaks.
East Anglia was on the centre of the nation’s worst ever outbreak of avian influenza throughout the autumn of 2022, with millions of birds culled.
Altogether, there have been greater than 360 circumstances throughout Britain since October 2021, together with a “vital quantity” in yard flocks.
Although case numbers have since dropped, the continuing threat of the disease has prompted Defra to introduce necessities for all hen keepers to formally register their birds – whatever the dimension of their flock.
Under present laws, solely those that maintain 50 or extra poultry should do that.
Owners might want to present info, together with their contact particulars, the placement the place birds are saved and particulars of the birds, resembling species, quantity and what they’re saved for.
Defra says this may permit vital info to be shared on close by hen flu outbreaks and biosecurity guidelines, whereas the register may also assist animal well being groups to establish all hen keepers in illness management zones, permitting for more practical surveillance and mitigation measures.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss (Image: Defra)
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, mentioned: “These new guidelines will allow us to have a full image of the quantity and site of birds saved throughout Great Britain, making it simpler to trace and handle the unfold of avian illness.
“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.”
Richard Griffiths, chief govt of the British Poultry Council, added: “New registration necessities are a very good step in direction of supporting birdkeepers and authorities to collaborate seamlessly to fight illness unfold.
“Timely communication ensures all birdkeepers obtain vital updates and keep knowledgeable, amplifying efforts to work collectively to trace and management the unfold of avian influenza.
“Alongside stringent biosecurity measures, registration is one other software within the toolbox to safeguard hen well being.”
The new guidelines cowl yard flocks, birds of prey and pigeon fanciers, however don’t have an effect on caged pet birds (excluding any poultry species) saved fully inside a home dwelling, resembling a parrot, canary or budgie.
The authorities says new laws will likely be set out “shortly”, however inspired keepers in England and Wales to register their birds forward of the authorized deadline on October 1, 2024.
