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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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Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

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News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.