Following a long-running campaign effort, driven by the continued threat of Avian Influenza to Scottish poultry, NFU Scotland has welcomed the announcement that there is to be a new mandatory requirement for all bird keepers, large or small, to register their flocks.

NFUS has long been calling for the UK and Scottish Governments to review the current poultry register and make it fit for purpose. Currently, only flocks of more than 50 birds are required to be registered, whilst many much smaller backyard flocks exist and have potential impacts on disease control.

From September 1, 2024, anyone, even if they only have one bird outdoors, will need to register.

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NFU Scotland’s poultry working group chair, Robert Thompson, said: “The unprecedented Avian Influenza outbreak in October 2021, and year-on-year cases since then highlighted the importance of a proper poultry register. We are delighted that the Scottish and UK Governments have committed to implementing a register that all bird keepers must keep updated.

“The new register will be online and will be simple for all keepers, including those with commercial poultry flocks, to keep records up to date. By registering, owners will receive crucial updates and guidance for bird care, including any disease alerts and depending on the threat from Avian Influenza, potentially housing orders.

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“During previous avian influenza outbreaks, it has been very difficult for official vets 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.

“Having accurate records of where all poultry are kept will simplify surveillance in disease control zones, helping eradication, reducing the labour needed to demonstrate disease freedom, and allowing affected areas to be lifted more quickly out of any restrictions.

“That will allow us to help keep all flocks, big and small, as healthy as possible.”