Mandatory Housing Measures

Following the APHA announcement that the UK is now subject to mandatory housing measures, this is directed at "free range" birds and they have to be moved inside.

We can categorically state that this does not currently effect in any way our bird shows or sales.

We still can hold those under a general licence with the existing strict biosecurity measures. This announcement was made for the last couple of years so it is nothing new.

The only restriction on are bird gatherings are those that fall within an Avian Influenza Outbreak Control Zone, whereby they are not allowed to take place and also any birds originating from an Outbreak Control Zone are not allowed to attend.

Bird Gatherings General Licence

All bird gatherings are allowed to take place under a GENERAL LICENCE, a link to which, is at the bottom of this article.

There is a long list of conditions for the organiser to comply with in order to meet the conditions of the licence.

These conditions are often being updated by DEFRA in relation to risks from Bird Flu etc, so we shall not list them here, rather direct you to the most recent DEFRA licence.

The organiser of any "Bird Gathering", Show or Sale - has to notify APHA of the gathering taking place at least 7 days in advance, providing the requested information on the gathering.

customeradvice@apha.gov.uk

Listed in the General Licence there are sections on General Terms, Notification, Bio Security, Location, Record Keeping & Contingency Plans. It is recommended that these are read thoroughly in order to understand and be able to comply with the requirements.

The conditions now include that the organiser must check and only allow birds into the show premises that are originating from

a premises that is on the Bird Register and the owner can supply a valid CPH number to show this.