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New bird registration rules soon to come into force
“This new requirement will allow us to communicate with bird keepers effectively, which is vital in helping us to manage disease outbreaks such as bird flu” – Huw Irranca-Davies.
Keepers of small poultry flocks among those who will now have to register.

New rules requiring bird keepers in England and Wales to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are set to come into force.

Before the change in the law, only keepers who had 50 or more birds needed to register. From 1 October all keepers of poultry and other captive birds will legally be required to register, regardless of flock size.

Backyard flocks, birds of prey, and pigeons are included in the rules. However, keepers of caged pet birds such as parrots, canaries, and budgerigars do not need to register as long as their birds are kept inside except for short periods such as visits to a veterinary practice.

The new rules are designed to make it easier for APHA to contact bird keepers with updates and guidance if there is an outbreak of a notifiable disease in their area, including any future outbreaks of avian influenza. They are also intended to make disease surveillance activities more effective.

Ele Brown, the UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “The legal deadline for bird keepers to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency is now less than one month away. These measures are an important step which will enhance monitoring and understanding of the disease, combatting the spread of avian influenza in Great Britain.

“The registration requirements will support better collaboration between bird keepers and government, with keepers informed of measures to take to protect the health of their birds.

“All poultry, whether a large commercial flock or a few backyard pets, are at risk of infectious diseases. This approach will improve our resilience to future pandemics.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales’ cabinet secretary for rural affairs, added: “This new requirement will allow us to communicate with bird keepers effectively, which is vital in helping us to manage disease outbreaks such as bird flu.

“We encourage all keepers in Wales to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline on 1st October.”

Image © Welsh government

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.