Consultation for new rules for bird keepers in the UK

The government is seeking views about potentially new registration rules for all bird keepers in the UK.

Currently only bird keepers that have fifty birds or more are legally required to register with APHA (Animal and Animal Plant Health Agency) and keep the information updated.

In light of the recent avian influenza the government is proposing that all keepers, no matter how many birds, will have to register.
Bird keepers will need to provide information including their contact details, the location where birds are kept and details of the birds (species, number and what they are kept for).

By registering with APHA keepers will receive important updates of any outbreaks and biosecurity rules to help protect their birds.

The new rules would cover owners of backyard flocks, birds of prey and pigeon fanciers, but would not affect pet birds kept entirely inside a domestic dwelling, such as a parrot or budgie kept in a cage indoors which never leaves the property other than to visit a vet.

The consultation was UK wide and ran until the 31st of May

Bird keepers with fewer that 50 birds can voluntarily register with APHA.

Bird keepers with more than 40,000 birds may also need to apply for a PCC (Pollution Prevention and Control) permit.