March 26, 2024

 

UK implements new measures to safeguard poultry sector from avian influenza

The UK government has introduced new measures aimed at enhancing protection for the poultry sector against potential avian influenza outbreaks, which include mandatory registration of all bird keepers, irrespective of the size of their flock, a move intended to bolster national disease control efforts, Gov.uk reported.

 

Under the new requirements, bird keepers will be obliged to officially register their birds, ensuring they receive crucial updates pertinent to their operations, such as notifications about local avian disease outbreaks and biosecurity guidelines aimed at safeguarding their flocks.

 

The implementation of these measures seeks to effectively manage and contain potential disease outbreaks like avian influenza and Newcastle disease, thereby minimising the risk of spread within the poultry population.

 

The information gathered through the registration process will facilitate the identification of all bird keepers within disease control zones, enabling more efficient surveillance and prompt lifting of restrictions following an outbreak, thus facilitating quicker resumption of trade activities.

 

Christine Middlemiss, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), highlighted the significance of these new rules in providing comprehensive insights into the distribution and population of birds across the UK, which will aid in tracking and managing the spread of avian diseases effectively.

 

Sheila Voas, CVO of Scotland, emphasised the necessity of these changes in mitigating future avian disease risks, particularly in enhancing communication and preparedness among bird keepers.

 

Richard Irvine, CVO of Wales, underscored the importance of stringent hygiene and biosecurity practices in protecting bird health, acknowledging the collaborative efforts between bird keepers and the government in combatting disease spread.

 

Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council (BPC), welcomed the new registration requirements as a positive step towards facilitating seamless collaboration between birdkeepers and authorities in combating disease transmission.

 

The proposal to mandate bird registration follows extensive consultation and aligns with recommendations from previous reviews and lessons learned from past avian influenza outbreaks. It aims to safeguard the health of poultry and other captive birds, as well as public health.

 

Bird keepers are encouraged to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline, with specific timelines outlined for England, Wales, and Scotland. The requirements will be formalized in legislation shortly, with keepers mandated to update their information annually.

 

-      Gov.uk