She writes:
From chickens to turkeys and partridges to emus, did you know that if you have more than 50 birds at any one time that they must be registered with APHA?
Following a recent outbreak of avian flu in East Yorkshire, ensuring the poultry industry and associated businesses do all they can to help us keep on top of on-farm biosecurity is vital.
Although it’s not a legal requirement for those of us with less than 50 birds to register them, it can make a huge difference.
During a disease outbreak Defra needs as much information as possible to protect surrounding areas effectively and efficiently. Registering flocks helps them build an accurate picture.
Everyone’s interest lies in ensuring we have healthy birds. With this in mind I would urge you to voluntarily register in this case.
So what birds are covered?
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The definitive list is this: chickens, including bantams, turkeys, ducks, geese, partridges, quail, pheasants, pigeons reared for meat, guinea fowl, ostriches, emus, rheas and cassowaries.
Remember though, even if you don’t keep poultry permanently throughout the year, the Poultry register still applies. If you have more than 50 poultry of any kind at any point, you must register. And this must be done within a month of their arrival on site.
So before you head off and get registering, here’s a handy list of information you must have to hand so you can complete the process.
Your name and address are obvious. But you also need to provide your County Parish Holding, the number of birds you want to register, the type of housing they’ll be kept in and why you are rearing poultry (for meat, education etc).
You’ll also be asked a couple of risk assessment questions such as if your flock has access to open air and if there are any nearby water sources that may attract wild birds.
The APHA’s GB Poultry Register can be completed by email, telephone or by post but please remember that this is a legal requirement if you have over 50 birds.
The industry has already done a fantastic job in minimising the risks of bird flu, so let’s keep it up.