The Christopher Marler BWA Award
Young breeder scholarship Applications are invited from young people who have shown aptitude and skill in breeding waterfowl. Following the death of Christopher Marler in July 2019, his family have generously offered to fund a ten-year series of grants to be made in his name. These are to encourage young people who aspire to go […]
AI still affecting Black-headed Gulls
Although wild bird cases of bird flu are starting to diminish, large groups of Black-headed Gulls continue to see mass die-offs. This latest one in Bedford is a timely reminder that we still need to take utmost care with our biosecurity. See local BBC New report here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-65562633 For the latest Gov.uk info about hygiene […]
We’re hiring!
Summary Job Description Council Meetings • Prepare and distribute agenda & minutes for Council meetings (four per year) and the Annual General Meeting • Attend and take minutes at Council meetings and participate in online meetings • Prepare and present a financial report and general report including an overview of membership activity for Council […]
Poultry Registration consultation
It is currently mandatory for a person who is a keeper of 50 or more poultry at any single premises to register their birds on the Great Britain Poultry Register by providing specified information on the birds. The information on the register enables the government to communicate with poultry keepers quickly, to manage any potential […]
Wild waterfowl death reporting requirements intensify
Reporting dead wild birds – surveillance sensitivity increases In Great Britain, members of the public should use the new online reporting system or call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if they find one or more dead wild birds of prey, gull, swan, goose or duck, or five or more dead wild birds of […]
Swans killed in Essex
As waterfowl lovers, it is hard to understand why anyone takes pleasure harming these beautiful creatures. Large, close and slow moving, they could not even be described as ‘sporting’ targets. Following catapult attacks on four Mute Swans early in the new year, 2 firms with local connections have each offered £1000 for information leading to […]
Online Reporting Service for Dead Wild Birds
Defra has launched a new online reporting system to be used by the public to report dead wild birds in Great Britain, as part of the Government response to the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. The new online system will be available to use 24/7, making is simpler and quicker for the public to report dead […]
Housing requirements
We are about to see weather challenges across large parts of the country. Wet snow particularly can bring net and poles down. Maintaining biosecurity whatever the weather is still a priority. Since the Housing Order was introduced for Wales on 2nd December, the Declaration for that nation has now been amended to include notes bringing […]
Member Webinar, Monday 5th December at 7pm
Since the housing orders imposed last month, most bird keepers are now obliged to complete a biosecurity checklist. In England, there is also a requirment to consult with your private vet if you are not housing all your birds, this should have been done by 21st November. Tomorrow evening, members have the opportunity to attend […]
Housing measures now apply to Northern Ireland and from Friday also to Wales
The requirement to house our birds was announced for Northern Ireland today. On Friday 2nd December it will also apply to Wales. The details of these housing orders are broadly similar to those in force in England. Full specific details can be found for each administration: https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/avian-influenza-prevention-zone-aipz-including-housing-measures-the-whole-of-england https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/avian-housing-order-introduced-ni https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update The ability to keep waterfowl under […]
