Pembrokeshire County Council has highlighted new Government measures, coming into force on October 1, to better protect the poultry sector from future avian influenza outbreaks.

All bird keepers - regardless of the size of their flock - will be required to register their birds officially.

The new rules cover owners of backyard flocks, birds of prey and pigeon fanciers, but do not affect caged pet birds (excluding any poultry species) kept entirely inside a domestic dwelling - e.g. parrot, canary or budgie, which only leave the property to visit a vet or other short-term visit.

This way, bird keepers and government can work together to track and control the spread of notifiable avian diseases in Wales.

APHA will also be able to contact bird keepers if there’s a notifiable disease outbreak in their area, for example bird flu, which in turn will help prevent the spread of disease and protect flocks.

It is important to remember that scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity remain essential to protect flocks from the threat of disease.

Keepers are encouraged to register their birds via the UK Gov website ahead of the legal deadline on October 1, 2024.

For further advice, contact the Animal Welfare Team via [email protected]