Government set to register all backyard chickens in bird-flu crackdown

All chickens kept as pets or for eggs are set to be registered by the authorities as the government warns of bird-flu threat.

Previously only commercial chicken farmers with 50 birds or more had to register their flock, currently people who have a few birds for their own supply of eggs or as pets do not.

The proposed new rules, which are being consulted on by government could require bird owners to update their information every year. They could also have to provide information including their contact details, the location of where the birds are kept and details of the species, number and their use. The public consultation is open until May 31st.

Birds of prey and pigeons would also be affected, but the proposed new rules would not affect pet birds kept inside a domestic dwelling, such as a parrot or a budgie.

"Having up to date information on the location of bird premises increases the effectiveness of activities carried out by government such as risk assessments, tracing investigations and sharing communications with keepers on how to protect their birds," say the government.

Samson Rattigan BEM, Service Delivery Manager at Friends, Families and Travellers, said:

“It’s really important that we all do what we can to make sure bird flu doesn’t destroy and affect the food we rely on.

If anyone has any concerns or needs support with registering livestock, contact FFT’s helpline on 01273 234 777.”

TT News

(Lead photograph: By Adriel anv00 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58526794)