Bird Gatherings
A European ban on bird gatherings is currently in place, except where authorised by veterinary risk assessment. The level of risk of high pathogenic avian influenza being spread via bird gatherings is constantly under review, and the risk of this occurring is assessed to be low. In recognition of this, a general licence for bird gatherings is currently effective in Scotland.
The general licence allows the collecting together of poultry or other captive birds from more than one source at one location, while minimising the risk of any undetected disease spreading between flocks. The licence allows bird gatherings (including sales, pigeon racing, falconry events, fairs, markets and exhibitions) to go ahead, subject to adherence to a number of conditions and biosecurity procedures and prior notification to the local Animal Health Office. Pigeon racing from mainland Europe and the Channel Islands is once again permitted.
The general licence benefits the whole industry and the biosecurity conditions within the licence should at all times be considered good practice. If holding or attending a bird gathering, you must read and adhere to the conditions within the general licence, including the biosecurity conditions.
If an event is held illegally, the penalty on summary conviction is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or a fine not exceeding level 5 (£5,000) on the standard scale fixed by the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, or both.
Biosecurity and single flock events
Biosecurity means taking steps to ensure good hygiene practices are in place, so that the risk of a disease occurring or spreading is minimised. Good biosecurity should be practised at all times. Taking the right measures can help protect your birds and those of other people.
Biosecurity measures should also be considered at events that do not require general licensing, such as sales or showing of birds from single flocks on premises at which other bird events may take place. Birds travelling to and from an event from a single source do not constitute a bird gathering and therefore such events do not fall under the ban. Guidelines for single flock events should be followed.