News

10 FEBRUARY 2006

GREAT BRITAIN POULTRY REGISTER

Defra, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government, backed by the poultry industry, has established the Great Britain Poultry Register to gather essential information about certain species of birds. This information will help reduce the impact of an outbreak of avian influenza. It is important for anyone who keeps poultry to be vigilant and look out for signs of ill health.

By law* you must register by 28 February 2006 if you own or are responsible for a commercial poultry premises with 50 or more birds; this requirement applies even if the premises are only stocked with 50 or more birds for part of the year. At present, it is possible for owners of smaller flocks to register on a voluntary basis should they so wish and we would encourage them to do so.

For more information on the Great Britain Poultry Register and details of how to register please visit the website at : www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/vetsurveillance/poultry

* Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (No2) Regulations 2005
  Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2005
  Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (Wales) (No. 2) Regulations 2005