The National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFUS) is reminding all keepers of birds, large or small flocks, that from September 1, they will need to register their birds.
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 locations on the Scottish Kept Bird Register.
The registration window is September 1 to December 1, 2024, and details must be updated at least annually.
The rules do not apply to species such as parrots, budgerigars, finches or perching birds where the birds have no access to outside air.
The Scottish government has stated that registration will be free, quick and simple. Once registered, keepers can access their information online at any time.
Animal health
NFUS poultry policy manager, Penny Middleston, 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 September 1, 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.”
Middleston said 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.”
Middleston said this will allow surveillance 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.”
