Dec 2020
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
New housing measures will come into force in England, Scotland and Wales on 14 December 2020. The Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales have agreed to bring in new measures to help protect poultry and captive birds, following a number of cases of avian influenza in both wild and captive birds in the UK.
Whether you keep just a few birds as pets or thousands, from 14 December 2020 onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
We encourage all keepers to register their birds with us so we can contact you quickly if there is a disease outbreak in your area and you need to take action. If you have more than 50 birds, you are legally required to register your flock within one month of their arrival at your premises. If you have less than 50 birds, including pet birds, you are still strongly encouraged to register. Find out how to register your birds.
Whether you keep just a few birds as pets or thousands, from 14 December 2020 onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
We encourage all keepers to register their birds with us so we can contact you quickly if there is a disease outbreak in your area and you need to take action. If you have more than 50 birds, you are legally required to register your flock within one month of their arrival at your premises. If you have less than 50 birds, including pet birds, you are still strongly encouraged to register. Find out how to register your birds.