People in Helensburgh and Lomond who keep outdoor birds are being reminded that they must register them under the new Scottish Kept Bird Register (SKBR).

The new requirement, which came into effect on September 1, is designed to ensure owners are up to date with the information they need to keep their birds safe from outbreaks of avian diseases like avian influenza and Newcastle disease.

The SKBR applies to commercial and backyard flocks, birds of prey, pigeon fanciers, and all other captive birds, including pets.

Exceptions to this requirement are birds housed within a fully enclosed structure without access to the outdoors, such as parrots, budgerigars, and certain perching birds like jays and finches.

Those who are required to register must do so by the start of December.

The intent behind the regulation is to minimise the spread of contagious diseases by accurately identifying bird keepers in disease control zones.

The data collected via the register facilitates swift communication of vital information during the early stages of a disease outbreak.

Consequently, effective monitoring and control of such situations enable the lifting of local restrictions as soon as possible.

Registration, which is completed via the SKBR online portal at keptbirdregister.service.gov.scot, takes less than 10 minutes.

Users can access, update, and amend their information at any time, with reminders to refresh data every 12 months.

This ensures the most current details are available for dissemination during an outbreak.

Councillor Kieron Green, Argyll and Bute's policy lead for planning and regulatory services, said: “I would urge people to spend 10 minutes registering with the Scottish Kept Bird Register before the December 1 2024 deadline.

“It’s the best way to get the information you need to keep your birds, whether domestic or commercial, safe should a disease outbreak occur.

“The right information, at the right time, is a critical step in containing disease. It can save money and heartbreak.”