This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish Poultry Register
09/12/2005
A register of poultry flocks is to be set up to further protect the industry against disease outbreak.
Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said:
"The register will enhance our understanding of the poultry industry and ensure that we can respond quickly and effectively to any outbreak of disease.
"A greater understanding of the location of Scotland's poultry keepers will also help us to communicate more effectively with them and let us work together by taking all appropriate steps to minimise the risk of avian disease in Scotland."
Under the Avian Influenza (Preventative Measures) (Date for Identification of Poultry Premises) Regulations (Scotland) all commercial poultry keepers with more than 50 birds are required to register their details by February 28 next year.
They can register by calling free phone number 0800 634 1112 to complete the registration interactively with a call centre operator. Call Centres will be open 8 am - 8 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am - 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The species covered by the new register are chickens (including bantams); pheasants; pigeons (reared for meat); turkeys; ducks; geese; guinea fowl; quail; partridges; ostriches; emus; rheas; cassowaries; kiwis
The register will support the State Veterinary Service's response to an avian disease outbreak as well as serving for contingency planning purposes. It will also support risk assessments and greater liaison with poultry keepers.