Cropton Parish Council

People who keep poultry or captive birds should be aware that they will need to register their flock with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) from 1 October 2024. YLCA has spoken to the National Allotment Society and the requirement to register includes allotment holders who keep poultry on their allotment.

Currently, it is only compulsory for anyone who keeps 50 or more birds to register their flock. From 1 October, new requirements for all bird keepers who keep their poultry outdoors – regardless of the size of their flock – will come in which will require anyone who owns captive birds or poultry to officially register their birds. The new rules cover owners of backyard flocks, birds of prey and pigeons. However, they do not affect caged pet birds, such as a parrot, canary or budgie (unless they are a poultry species), which are kept entirely inside a house and never leaves the property other than to visit a vet or for another short-term period.

By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as any local avian disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks. This will help to manage potential disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease, and limit any spread. It also enables them to keep up to date with the latest national and regional guidance. The new requirements are being put in place to support wider efforts to monitor and control avian diseases.

Keepers can register their birds and poultry at Poultry and other captive birds: registration rules and forms-GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).