Poultry keepers - one month left to register

Poultry keepers were today reminded to register their birds as part of a scheme to boost the government and industry's ability to effectively tackle an outbreak of avian flu.

Owners of flocks of 50 or more birds have until 28th February to register their birds using one of the several methods available.

The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (No. 2) Regulations 2005 require those who usually keep 50 or more poultry on a commercial

poultry premises to register their birds. However, those with less

than 50 poultry are encouraged to register their birds on a voluntary basis. The Register will remain open after 28 February to allow voluntary registrations to continue.

Currently no central database of poultry flocks exists. The aim of the register is to gather essential information about birds on commercial premises across Great Britain so we can build up a better picture of the size, type and proximity of flocks.

The information on the register will help the government improve contingency planning to help manage any potential disease outbreak.

The Register will also allow the State Veterinary Service to rapidly communicate with poultry keepers on a regional level to alert them of a change in the risk of a disease outbreak and to provide essential advice and information.