Bird keepers reminded to register

Reminder of new measures to help protect birds from avian flu 

Orkney Islands Council’s Trading Standards team is reminding bird keepers to check if they now need to register their birds, under new UK-wide legislation coming into force from December.

New legislation requires all outdoor bird keepers – even those who keep only a single bird – to register their birds, including pets. Previously, only those who keep 50 or more poultry had to register their bird/s location/s.

The move is aimed at better protecting keepers, their birds and the general public from notifiable avian diseases.

The changes in legislation come following the UK’s worst ever outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), with more than 360 cases across Great Britain since late October 2021, including in a significant number of backyard flocks.

In Scotland, this legislation is the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (Scotland) Amendment order 2024.

Scottish bird keepers have until 1 December 2024 to register the location of their birds on the new ‘Scottish Kept Bird Register’ (SKBR). Those previously registered on the GB Poultry Register will be required to re-register on the SKBR by that date.

The new legislation applies to owners of commercial and backyard flocks, birds of prey, pigeon fanciers, and all other captive birds (including pets) - with the exception of birds that belong to the order psittaciformes (parrot family, including budgerigars) or passeriformes (perching birds, including jays and finches) and have no outdoor access and are housed within a fully enclosed structure.

Gary Foubister manages the Council’s Trading Services team which takes in animal protection: “Registration is free, it’s quick and simple, and is the best way for keepers to be kept up to speed on important updates including any local avian disease outbreaks. 

“It’s a vital line of defence for protecting birds, keepers and the general public, and controlling outbreaks when they occur.”

The Scottish Kept Bird Register (SKBR) launched on 1 September 2024. It provides a one-stop-shop registration portal for all keepers with birds in Scotland, taking less than 10 minutes to register. 

Further information on the registration of birds can be found on www.gov.scot/register-your-birds