Call to small-scale bird keepers to register – KCC

Kent residents who keep a few chickens or pigeons in the back garden are among those being encouraged to record their pet birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to better protect their feathered friends from Avian Influenza (AI).

While commercial poultry farmers and others who own 50 birds or more are already required by law to register their flocks, hobby keepers currently sign up on a voluntary basis.

Registering means the APHA will be able to contact you quicker if there's an AI outbreak in your area so you can help prevent the spread of the disease, protecting your birds and the national poultry flock. There’s everything you need to know about registering on the GOV.UK website.

As with many other countries, the UK is experiencing a record outbreak of bird flu. Restrictions to keep poultry and other birds inside are being lifted on 18th April as migrating birds - key carriers of avian flu -  have now left the UK for the summer, and there have been no confirmed cases of AI in commercial flocks in Kent during the current outbreak. But there have been expected findings in other wild birds in the county and the need for vigilance remains as the disease circulates naturally in wild bird populations.

Kent Resilience Forum partners, including Kent County Council (KCC), continue to keep the situation under close review together with APHA and other lead authorities such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Meanwhile, the Government is consulting on proposed registration for all bird keepers in Great Britain.

Head of Kent Trading Standards Steve Rock said: “High-level biosecurity is a key defence against bird flu and Kent bird keepers should continue following Defra rules. This includes immediately reporting signs of the disease in poultry or other kept birds to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

“People who have 50 or more birds are lawfully required to register but residents who keep a few chickens, pigeons or birds of prey, should also sign up so they can be kept informed of developments and easily contacted in an outbreak.”

Residents who don’t keep birds can also play a part in helping to slow AI’s march.

Headshot of Anjan Ghosh, KCC Director of Public Health

...use Defra’s online reporting form to let them know if you find one or more dead bird of prey, gull, swan, goose or duck – or 5 or more dead wild birds of any other species – in the same place. Alternatively, call the Defra Helpline 03459 33 55 77

Dr Anjan Ghosh KCC’s Director of Public Health

KCC’s Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “The UK Health Security Agency has reassured that the risk of bird flu to people is very low and the Food Standards Agency advises properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

“But when you are out and about enjoying Kent’s many fantastic open spaces, please help reduce the spread of the disease by limiting your interaction with wild birds who can naturally carry it.

“Stick to paths, keep dogs on leads and use Defra’s online reporting form to let them know if you find one or more dead bird of prey, gull, swan, goose or duck – or 5 or more dead wild birds of any other species – in the same place. Alternatively, call the Defra Helpline 03459 33 55 77.

“And if you find a dead bird that doesn’t need to be reported, follow Defra’s guidance on what to do as carcases, feathers and droppings may be contaminated.”

For the latest bird flu situation, and further information for both keepers and members of the public, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england#latest-situation

If you have concerns about bird keepers not following the current regulations contact Kent Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Customer Services on 0808 223 1133.

And if you have feedback for government about the proposed changes to registration, do take part in the consultation. The 12-week joint Great Britain-wide call for views runs until 31st May.