Bird keepers in Welshpool area warned over new law

Bird keepers in the Welshpool area are being warned to ensure they are registered under new laws.

Powys County Council said bird keepers must register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) after it became a legal requirement earlier this month.
 
Previously, only keepers with 50 or more birds were legally required to register.
 
However, since October 1, the new legal requirement has meant that keepers of poultry and other captive birds must register regardless of the size of their flock.
 
Now, Powys County Council’s Animal Health Team is urging bird keepers who have yet to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to do so immediately.
 
"By registering, you will receive updates and guidance if there is a disease outbreak, such as bird flu, in your area," said a statement. "You will also be helping to prevent the spread of disease and protect all kept birds, including backyard flocks."

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “The new registration requirements will help bird keepers to protect their flocks. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will be able to contact bird keepers if there’s a notifiable disease outbreak in their area, such as bird flu, to inform them about actions they need to take to protect the health of their birds, and to prevent the spread of disease.
 
“It is important to remember that scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity remain essential to protect flocks from the threat of disease. 
 
“Bird keepers have worked hard to protect their flocks from the risks of avian influenza in recent years and I want to thank them for their continued efforts.”
 
Keepers will be required to review their entry on the register annually to ensure their details are up to date and any changes are recorded.
 
Some types of captive birds that are kept as pets and live solely indoors without any outside access are exempt from registration.
 
To find out more visit www.gov.uk/poultry-registration.