NFU Scotland is reminding all keepers of birds, large or small flocks, that from 1 September, they will need to register their birds on the Scottish Kept Bird Register.
It is a legal requirement for those that keep domesticated species, such as hens, ducks and geese that keepers must register, or re-register, their bird location(s) online or by telephone between 1 September and 1 December 2024.
The rules do not apply to species such as parrots, budgerigars, finches or perching birds where the birds have no access to outside air.
Details must be updated at least annually. Scottish Government has stated that registration will be free, quick and simple. Once registered, keepers can access their information online at any time. From 1 September, keepers will find a link to register on the Scottish Government website https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/pages/register-your-birds/
Supporting the new register, NFU Scotland’s Poultry Policy Manager Penny Middleton said: “During previous avian influenza outbreaks, it has been very difficult for Government to communicate directly with small backyard keepers to make them aware of temporary heightened disease control measures designed to protect public and animal health and the wider economy.
“These registration changes are a necessary step to help protect the health of kept birds and the general public from future avian disease risks.
“From 1 September 2024 it will become compulsory for all keepers of birds in Scotland to register their flocks, even if they only have a single bird, and to keep their records updated annually. Currently only keepers with 50 or more birds must register on the Poultry Register.
“From that date there will be a new Scottish Kept Bird Register in place, replacing the existing poultry register. All bird keepers will be required to register on this new site which Scottish Government indicates will make registering and updating details a much simpler process than using the current register.
“By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as any local avian disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks.
“The information on the register will also be used to identify bird keepers in disease control zones, allowing for more effective surveillance, checking birds are not showing clinical symptoms. This will allow surveillance allows zones to be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity and trade can resume more quickly following an outbreak of avian disease in Great Britain.
“It will also save considerable resources in identifying and communicating with relevant keepers during any disease outbreak.”
