The UK Department of Agriculture (Defra) announced mandatory bird registration requirements for all poultry farmers as part of a new measure to combat outbreaks of bird flu, FarmingUK reported on March 19.
Under the changes, new requirements will be introduced for all poultry farmers, regardless of the size of their flock, to officially register their birds. Current legislation requires only those with 50 or more birds to do this.
Owners will now be asked to provide information including their contact details, where the birds are kept and details of the birds such as species, number and why they are being kept. A registry will be created, and the British department is confident that this will help deal with potential outbreaks of diseases such as bird flu and Newcastle disease and limit their spread.
The information contained in the registry will also be used to identify all poultry farmers in disease control zones. Defra said this would allow for more effective policing.
Christine Middlemiss, the country’s chief veterinary officer, said the new rules would allow the government to “have a full picture” of any disease situation. Industry experts say this approach will better prepare and protect against a future pandemic.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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