Time running out to register poultry

Poultry owners have less than two months to register their flocks on the national Poultry Register, the Farming Minister Lord Bach reminded them today (Friday January 6th).

Speaking on a visit to one of the country's largest producers of chickens, Lord Bach said the Great Britain Poultry Register is essential to prepare for any outbreak of avian flu.

Lord Bach said: "Of course we hope our poultry flocks stay disease-free but we cannot ignore the risk. The register will mean we can build up a detailed picture of our flocks, their location and their size and this means we will be able to respond effectively in the event of an outbreak."

During his visit to Bampton in Oxfordshire, Lord Bach toured a hatchery and two poultry farms run by P.D Hook, one of the sector's biggest producers.

He said: "We are already working closely with large firms like P.D. Hook to help them register their flocks. I am greatly encouraged by the positive way that many poultry organisations have responded to the call for flocks to be registered. But I want to remind people that anyone who has more than 50 birds needs to register them with us by February 28th. We have a safe, well-run and flourishing poultry industry that we must protect. Together we can do everything possible to prepare against infection."

Owners can get a registration form by calling a freephone number or downloading a copy from Defra's website.

The register is supported by the National Farmers' Union, the British Poultry Council and the National Gamekeepers Organisation.