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Government to consult on bird keeper registration rules
Rules would apply to keepers of birds of prey and pigeons, but not to parrots or budgies housed entirely indoors.
The proposal would require all keepers to register their birds.

As part of government measures to combat avian influenza, Defra has launched a consultation on new registration rules for all bird keepers in Great Britain.

The proposed rules would require all poultry keepers to register their birds, regardless of how many they have. Currently, only those who keep 50 or more are legally required to register their birds.

The rules would apply to keepers of backyard flocks, birds of prey and pigeons, but not parrots or budgies housed entirely indoors.

Registered information would need to be to be updated on an annual basis.

Registration with APHA will ensure that keepers receive important updates regarding local avian influenza outbreaks, and information on biosecurity rules. It will also allow the government to quickly communicate measures to help manage and limit the spread of disease.

In a joint statement the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales said: “These proposals will enable us to have a full picture of the number and location of birds kept across Great Britain and make it easier to track and manage the spread of avian disease.

“This information will also help inform future risk assessments and maintain our commitment to continually building our extensive avian influenza research portfolio.”

Richard Griffiths, British Poultry Council chief executive said: “We welcome this consultation as a means of ensuring the GB poultry register is fit to support Government and industry efforts in mitigating the ongoing impacts of avian influenza.

“Registering your poultry is an effective way of monitoring and controlling the spread of disease to protect the national flock.

“We, as ever, urge all poultry keepers to remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza in their birds.”

The GB-wide consultation is open until 31 May.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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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.