The good news is that Defra do not seem to be tracking people who attempt to register for a CPH number and do not complete the questionnaire. It has been nearly 8 weeks now. I have not been contacted. Conversely, a website I was using to look at shirts has been sending me emails pointing out that I have not purchased within 24 hours.
I would like to think that most backyard owners would like to show some collective responsibility in trying to minimise the risk of Avian Influenza affecting all flocks. This can only happen if you are aware there is a potential problem and the only reliable source of information is APHA. I am left wondering just how many flock owners genuinely are not aware of the new regulations that will be coming into force.
[All poultry must be registered on the National Poultry Register by 1 October 2025 – see our May issue of The Country Smallholder. https:// thecountrysmallholder.com/news/ new-requirements-for-all-birdkeepers-to-register-flocks/ ]
Impossible not to know, perhaps not. The news on TV is so depressing that I only watch it intermittently. I do not use Facebook, Twitter or X and rarely buy a newspaper. If it were not for the fact that I have an interest in what is going on and receive the relevant emails. It is possible that I would not know.
Whilst this may be the minority of backyard flock owners, If that minority is in the hundreds then this could become significant. These diseases take advantage of all and any failings of humanity.
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How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
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