Time Running Out To Register Poultry

Poultry owners have less than two months to register their flocks on the national Poultry Register, the Farming Minister Lord Bach reminded them today (Friday January 6th). Speaking on a visit to one of the country's largest producers of chickens, Lord Bach said the Great Britain Poultry Register is essential to prepare for any outbreak of avian flu. Lord Bach said: "Of course we hope our poultry flocks stay disease-free but we cannot ignore the risk. The register will mean we can build up a detailed picture of our flocks, their location and their size and this means we will be able to respond effectively in the event of an outbreak." During his visit to Bampton in Oxfordshire, Lord Bach toured a hatchery and two poultry farms run by P.D Hook, one of the sector's biggest producers. He said: "We are already working closely with large firms like P.D. Hook to help them register their flocks. I am greatly encouraged by the positive way that many poultry organisations have responded to the call for flocks to be registered. But I want to remind people that anyone who has more than 50 birds needs to register them with us by February 28th. We have a safe, well-run and flourishing poultry industry that we must protect. Together we can do everything possible to prepare against infection." Owners can get a registration form by calling a freephone number or downloading a copy from Defra's website. The register is supported by the National Farmers' Union, the British Poultry Council and the National Gamekeepers Organisation. At present, premises with fewer than 50 birds are not required to register. However, they can voluntarily register their birds after 28 February if they wish to. The Register will gather information for Wales, Scotland and England. A separate register has been established in Northern Ireland. The legislation that requires poultry to be registered is: The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (No 2) Regulations 2005 The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (Wales) Regulations 2005 For the purpose of the Great Britain Register "poultry " means all birds which are reared, given, sold, or kept in captivity for commercial purposes including:

• showing;
• breeding;
• the production of meat or eggs for consumption; the production of other commercial products; and
• restocking supplies of game.

This requirement does not apply to premises where all poultry (and their eggs) are kept by their owners for their own consumption, or as pets. The full list of species that need to be registered includes: Chickens turkeys ducks geese guinea fowl partridges pheasants quail pigeons* cassowaries Emus ostriches rheas kiwis * reared for meat only Registration can be carried out by: Phone Call on freephone 0800 634 1112. Advisors will complete the form over the phone. A copy of the completed form and confirmation letter will be sent to poultry keepers. Phone lines will be open 8am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. Welsh speaking operators are available. Post English or Welsh forms can be requested by calling the freephone 0800 634 1112, or downloaded from the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/vetsurveillance/poultry/index.htm. Completed forms can be returned in the postage paid envelope provided to: Poultry Register, Curwen Road, Workington, Cumbria CA95 1SS. Website Download an electronic form from the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/vetsurveillance/poultry/index.htm, complete and submit.

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