Bird owners in Shetland are now legally required to register their birds on the new Scottish Kept Bird Register (SKBR).
The Register has been developed in support of the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2024, which requires all bird keepers – even those who keep only a single bird – to officially register their bird location(s). This requirement applies to all captive bird sectors, including pet birds, poultry, game birds, racing pigeons, waterfowl, wild bird rehabilitation centres and zoos.
Keepers have until 1st December 2024 to register the location of their birds. Those previously registered on the GB Poultry Register will be required to re-register on this new register for bird keepers in Scotland. Registration is free, quick and simple and, once registered, keepers can access their information online at any time.
The registration requirement does not apply to birds on the premises that belong to the order psittaciformes (parrot family, including budgerigars) or passeriformes (perching birds, including jays and finches), which are either fully housed indoors with no outdoor access, or housed outdoors in a fully enclosed structure.
However, any birds that are taken outdoors at any time, for example to be exercised, trained, or taken to bird gatherings and/or shows, must be registered.
By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as on any local notifiable avian disease outbreaks, particularly avian influenza (‘bird flu’) and important information on biosecurity rules to help protect themselves and their flocks.
A link to the register and the associated helpline number and email address can be found at www.gov.scot/register-your-birds
Louise Moar, Team Leader – Environmental Health: “It’s now a legal requirement for anyone who keeps captive birds in Shetland, including waterfowl and poultry, to register on this new Scottish Kept Bird Register. That will allow them to receive important updates, including any notifications of disease, which will help control the spread of any future outbreaks.”