Bird gatherings: general licence
Licences for gatherings of poultry or other captive birds.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
From 26 April 2024 gatherings of all poultry including anseriforme birds (for example ducks, geese and swans) are permitted in England provided you:
- follow and meet the requirements of the poultry gathering general licence
- notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of the gathering at least 7 days before the event
Gatherings of all other types of birds are also permitted provided you:
- follow and meet all the requirements of the captive bird gathering general licence
- notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of the gathering at least 7 days before the event.
Mixed gatherings of poultry and other captive birds are permitted in England provided that the licensee notifies Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at least 7 days before the event that a mixed gathering will be taking place.
Where a mixed gathering of poultry and other captive birds takes place, and the requirements of the poultry gathering general licence must be met for all birds.
Pigeon racing from Northern Ireland and the EU also needs to comply with the EU regulations for the export of captive birds.
Read guidance on holding a bird gathering under a general licence.
The avian influenza (bird flu) guidance gives more details on current disease risks.
Updates to this page
Published 11 October 2010Last updated 26 April 2024 + show all updates
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From 12:00 26 April 2024 gatherings of all poultry including anseriforme birds (for example ducks, geese and swans) are permitted in England provided you meet conditions of the licence. Updated the 'General licence to arrange a fair, market, show, exhibition or other gathering involving the collecting together of poultry in England'.
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Minor changes to the poultry and captive bird general licence and clarification of licence conditions where other captive birds are present at gatherings involving galliforme birds.
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Galliforme birds from premises located in Wales are permitted to attend galliforme gatherings in England from 16 February 2024.
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Updated the poultry general licence, biosecurity and traceability section 7 (d) in line with the licence update made on 5 February 2024.
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The general licence for poultry gatherings in England has been amended. Galliforme poultry kept at registered premises in Scotland can attend shows and gatherings held in England from 5 February 2024.
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Updated the page with new licences. From 23 August 2023 gatherings of galliforme poultry and galliforme birds are permitted in England. You must follow and meet the requirements of the licences and notify APHA of the gathering.
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Updated the bird gatherings general licence. From 8 November 2021 no gatherings of poultry, galliforme birds or anseriforme birds are permitted.
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Updated to reflect that gatherings of the all types of birds including poultry gatherings and pigeon gatherings organised for races from mainland Europe are permitted from 12:00 on the 15 May 2021.
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Updated with the latest bird gatherings general licence.
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The bird gatherings general licence was revoked on 11 November 2020.
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Updated licence published: gatherings are not banned in the Higher Risk Areas put in place today. Definition of ‘vehicle’ added to licence.
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Updated licence published: gatherings are not banned under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone arrangements put in place in England today.
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Updated notes as the Prevention Zone in certain areas of Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside has now been lifted.
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Updated with the new general licence which applies from 15 May 2017.
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Updated with plans to lift the ban on gatherings, across England from 15 May, except in certain areas of Lancashire and Cumbria.
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Updated following the announcement that the ban on poultry gatherings will be lifted on 15 May 2017.
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Updated following the announcement of a temporary suspension on certain bird gatherings from 20 December 2016.
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First published.