New rules designed to prevent the spread of avian influenza are being introduced on 1 October, with owners of birds and poultry required to register them with the Animal and Health Plant Agency (APHA).
The rules apply to all birdkeepers, whether they operate a large commercial farm or own just a single bird. Previously, registration was only required for keepers of more than 50 birds.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) can have a devastating impact on local bird populations and the poultry industry. The last outbreak in Britain between October 2021 and March 2024 had 360 confirmed cases; since then there have been no confirmed cases in captive birds, but HPAI continues to be found in wild birds.
Steph Young from Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Animal Health team is among Officers reminding people of the rule change (image credit: Staffordshire County Council)
Local Trading Standards teams have a duty to prevent the spread of notifiable diseases, among a range of other responsibilities for animal health and welfare.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Animal Health at Staffordshire County Council, is encouraging people to get their birds registered in time for the change of law. “Bird flu can have real implications for local wildlife and the poultry sector, so it’s important that we all do what we can to help reduce cases of it,” she said.
“There are already strict rules in place and we hope that the new law will help relevant agencies in their responses to tackle any outbreaks of disease.
“As always, we urge birdkeepers to remain alert for any signs of the disease and to report suspected cases immediately. People should also ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.”
According to UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss, “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 information will be vital in helping to inform future risk assessments and maintain our commitment to continually building our extensive avian influenza research portfolio.”
Birdkeepers can reduce the risk of the disease by:
- Keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, controlling rats and mice and regularly cleansing and disinfecting any hard surfaces
- Cleaning footwear before and after visits
- Placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and removing any spilled feed regularly
- Putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limiting their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl
- Where possible, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species.
