Enhancing poultry traceability in Western Australia
New requirements for poultry owners and poultry abattoirs
Following consultation, new registration requirements are being introduced through amendments to the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Identification and Movement of Stock and Apiaries) Regulations 2013.
From 1 April 2022, all owners of 50 or more poultry, or 10 or more emus and/or ostriches, will be required to register with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as the new regulations will recognise poultry, emus and ostriches as livestock. Poultry abattoir operators will also be required to register.
Poultry is defined as domestic chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, guinea fowls, quails, pigeons, pheasants and partridges.
To assist poultry, emu and ostrich owners meet the new requirements, the department is offering free registration for anyone registering for the first time between 1 April and 30 September 2022. Registration is currently $76.50 and is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed.
This offer only applies to owners of poultry, emus and ostriches who are not already registered with the department as an owner of other livestock and who must register due to the numbers of poultry they keep.
The department’s original proposal included a requirement for anyone selling eggs or poultry meat for human consumption to register, regardless of how many birds they own. However, after assessing the impact of this requirement, it was decided that it would not be made mandatory. Instead, people who sell eggs or poultry meat for human consumption, but own less than 50 poultry or less than 10 emus or ostriches, are being encouraged to voluntarily register, to support notification and tracing for the purposes of food safety.
For further information see livestock registration requirements for poultry owners and poultry operators.
Consultation process
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) thanks the Western Australian poultry industry and poultry owners who provided feedback on a proposal to enhance traceability of poultry in WA.
The majority of submissions to the consultation supported the proposal. Please see the consultation summary report for an overview of the results.
Consultation on the proposal opened on 3 September and closed on 1 October 2020.
Before making a submission, stakeholders were asked to read the consultation paper and frequently asked questions.
Stakeholders were able to gain further information via the Questions section below or by emailing animalbiosecurity@dpird.wa.gov.au before making a submission using the online submission form.
New requirements for poultry owners and poultry abattoirs
Following consultation, new registration requirements are being introduced through amendments to the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Identification and Movement of Stock and Apiaries) Regulations 2013.
From 1 April 2022, all owners of 50 or more poultry, or 10 or more emus and/or ostriches, will be required to register with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as the new regulations will recognise poultry, emus and ostriches as livestock. Poultry abattoir operators will also be required to register.
Poultry is defined as domestic chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, guinea fowls, quails, pigeons, pheasants and partridges.
To assist poultry, emu and ostrich owners meet the new requirements, the department is offering free registration for anyone registering for the first time between 1 April and 30 September 2022. Registration is currently $76.50 and is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed.
This offer only applies to owners of poultry, emus and ostriches who are not already registered with the department as an owner of other livestock and who must register due to the numbers of poultry they keep.
The department’s original proposal included a requirement for anyone selling eggs or poultry meat for human consumption to register, regardless of how many birds they own. However, after assessing the impact of this requirement, it was decided that it would not be made mandatory. Instead, people who sell eggs or poultry meat for human consumption, but own less than 50 poultry or less than 10 emus or ostriches, are being encouraged to voluntarily register, to support notification and tracing for the purposes of food safety.
For further information see livestock registration requirements for poultry owners and poultry operators.
Consultation process
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) thanks the Western Australian poultry industry and poultry owners who provided feedback on a proposal to enhance traceability of poultry in WA.
The majority of submissions to the consultation supported the proposal. Please see the consultation summary report for an overview of the results.
Consultation on the proposal opened on 3 September and closed on 1 October 2020.
Before making a submission, stakeholders were asked to read the consultation paper and frequently asked questions.
Stakeholders were able to gain further information via the Questions section below or by emailing animalbiosecurity@dpird.wa.gov.au before making a submission using the online submission form.
If you need more information about the proposal to enhance poultry traceability in WA, ask your questions here.
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Share What’s involved in when eggs are sold? on Facebook Share What’s involved in when eggs are sold? on Twitter Share What’s involved in when eggs are sold? on Linkedin Email What’s involved in when eggs are sold? link
What’s involved in when eggs are sold?
Haydz asked about 4 years agoHi Haydz, under this proposal poultry owners who sell eggs, regardless of how many birds they own, will be required to register with DPIRD and obtain a property identification code for the properties on which they keep birds.
DPIRD encourages you to make a submission to register your views about the proposal. The consultation closes at 5pm today.
selling eggsselling eggs -
Share What happens when owners, and their birds, gather at events like poultry shows. Some participants would be registered, because they meet the threshold, while those below the threshold won't be. Yet these birds are at high risk of cross infection because of their close proximity in a confined area as well as being handled by the same judge. As waybills are not required how would tracing be managed if an incident stemmed from such an event? on Facebook Share What happens when owners, and their birds, gather at events like poultry shows. Some participants would be registered, because they meet the threshold, while those below the threshold won't be. Yet these birds are at high risk of cross infection because of their close proximity in a confined area as well as being handled by the same judge. As waybills are not required how would tracing be managed if an incident stemmed from such an event? on Twitter Share What happens when owners, and their birds, gather at events like poultry shows. Some participants would be registered, because they meet the threshold, while those below the threshold won't be. Yet these birds are at high risk of cross infection because of their close proximity in a confined area as well as being handled by the same judge. As waybills are not required how would tracing be managed if an incident stemmed from such an event? on Linkedin Email What happens when owners, and their birds, gather at events like poultry shows. Some participants would be registered, because they meet the threshold, while those below the threshold won't be. Yet these birds are at high risk of cross infection because of their close proximity in a confined area as well as being handled by the same judge. As waybills are not required how would tracing be managed if an incident stemmed from such an event? link
What happens when owners, and their birds, gather at events like poultry shows. Some participants would be registered, because they meet the threshold, while those below the threshold won't be. Yet these birds are at high risk of cross infection because of their close proximity in a confined area as well as being handled by the same judge. As waybills are not required how would tracing be managed if an incident stemmed from such an event?
Ken asked about 4 years agoHi Ken, thanks for your question. The current proposal does not require waybills for movement of birds. Biosecurity guidelines for bird event organisers and participants can be found on the DPIRD website. These guidelines include maintaining a record of birds that attend the event to allow for tracing if required.
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Share How would a citizen who has an over production of eggs, and sells them for $5/dozen casually to their friends, be affected by the proposed changes? What is the main goal of this traceability and how do we encourage people to come forward, regardless of the size of their coup? on Facebook Share How would a citizen who has an over production of eggs, and sells them for $5/dozen casually to their friends, be affected by the proposed changes? What is the main goal of this traceability and how do we encourage people to come forward, regardless of the size of their coup? on Twitter Share How would a citizen who has an over production of eggs, and sells them for $5/dozen casually to their friends, be affected by the proposed changes? What is the main goal of this traceability and how do we encourage people to come forward, regardless of the size of their coup? on Linkedin Email How would a citizen who has an over production of eggs, and sells them for $5/dozen casually to their friends, be affected by the proposed changes? What is the main goal of this traceability and how do we encourage people to come forward, regardless of the size of their coup? link
How would a citizen who has an over production of eggs, and sells them for $5/dozen casually to their friends, be affected by the proposed changes? What is the main goal of this traceability and how do we encourage people to come forward, regardless of the size of their coup?
Francesca Gaspar asked about 4 years agoHi Francesca,
Under the proposal if you are selling eggs you would be required to register with DPIRD. The aim of this proposal is to strengthen our traceability arrangements in order to protect our biosecurity. The ability to respond to disease outbreaks such as avian influenza and communicate with poultry owners during these responses would be enhanced if DPIRD has a register of poultry owners and where the birds are kept.
If this proposal is adopted, a communication plan will be implemented to ensure poultry owners are aware of the requirements.
DPIRD encourages you to make a submission to register your views about the proposal.
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Share What will the registration fee be? As a hobby chicken breeder with 35 breeding hens, and numbers of up to 125 birds in main breeding season, it may not be worthwhile continuing. on Facebook Share What will the registration fee be? As a hobby chicken breeder with 35 breeding hens, and numbers of up to 125 birds in main breeding season, it may not be worthwhile continuing. on Twitter Share What will the registration fee be? As a hobby chicken breeder with 35 breeding hens, and numbers of up to 125 birds in main breeding season, it may not be worthwhile continuing. on Linkedin Email What will the registration fee be? As a hobby chicken breeder with 35 breeding hens, and numbers of up to 125 birds in main breeding season, it may not be worthwhile continuing. link
What will the registration fee be? As a hobby chicken breeder with 35 breeding hens, and numbers of up to 125 birds in main breeding season, it may not be worthwhile continuing.
asked about 4 years agoHello, A registration fee for owning poultry has not yet been determined by DPIRD. The current fee for livestock owners is $76.50 for three years ($25.50 per year), which covers the administrative costs associated with managing the register.
DPIRD encourages you to complete the formal online submission form to register your views.
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Share Do you need to tag birds Color coded? on Facebook Share Do you need to tag birds Color coded? on Twitter Share Do you need to tag birds Color coded? on Linkedin Email Do you need to tag birds Color coded? link
Do you need to tag birds Color coded?
Brock asked about 4 years agoHi Brock, there is no requirement to tag or identify birds under this proposal.
tagging/identificationtagging/identification -
Share We are on a real farm, with a PIC for sheep and cattle, do I use the same PIC or get another specifically for the chooks. And will I need to fill out a waybill everytime I take chooks to markets or sell privately to individuals? on Facebook Share We are on a real farm, with a PIC for sheep and cattle, do I use the same PIC or get another specifically for the chooks. And will I need to fill out a waybill everytime I take chooks to markets or sell privately to individuals? on Twitter Share We are on a real farm, with a PIC for sheep and cattle, do I use the same PIC or get another specifically for the chooks. And will I need to fill out a waybill everytime I take chooks to markets or sell privately to individuals? on Linkedin Email We are on a real farm, with a PIC for sheep and cattle, do I use the same PIC or get another specifically for the chooks. And will I need to fill out a waybill everytime I take chooks to markets or sell privately to individuals? link
We are on a real farm, with a PIC for sheep and cattle, do I use the same PIC or get another specifically for the chooks. And will I need to fill out a waybill everytime I take chooks to markets or sell privately to individuals?
Lisa asked about 4 years agoHi Lisa, If you are already registered with DPIRD as an owner of livestock for your sheep and cattle then you would have been issued with a PIC. Under this proposal you would use the same PIC for your chooks. All you would need to do is update your livestock owner registration to include poultry.
Waybills will not be required for any movement of poultry.
poultry movementspoultry movements -
Share Thanks for replying to my question regarding counting chickens, i.e. day old chicks are counted in the 50 total. I would like to propose you increase the number of chickens to 200. I think you will discover and administation nightmare given the rise in popularity of backyard chicken keeping lately, and the rapid fluctuations in numbers. on Facebook Share Thanks for replying to my question regarding counting chickens, i.e. day old chicks are counted in the 50 total. I would like to propose you increase the number of chickens to 200. I think you will discover and administation nightmare given the rise in popularity of backyard chicken keeping lately, and the rapid fluctuations in numbers. on Twitter Share Thanks for replying to my question regarding counting chickens, i.e. day old chicks are counted in the 50 total. I would like to propose you increase the number of chickens to 200. I think you will discover and administation nightmare given the rise in popularity of backyard chicken keeping lately, and the rapid fluctuations in numbers. on Linkedin Email Thanks for replying to my question regarding counting chickens, i.e. day old chicks are counted in the 50 total. I would like to propose you increase the number of chickens to 200. I think you will discover and administation nightmare given the rise in popularity of backyard chicken keeping lately, and the rapid fluctuations in numbers. link
Thanks for replying to my question regarding counting chickens, i.e. day old chicks are counted in the 50 total. I would like to propose you increase the number of chickens to 200. I think you will discover and administation nightmare given the rise in popularity of backyard chicken keeping lately, and the rapid fluctuations in numbers.
Lisa asked about 4 years agoHi Lisa, As you can see in the consultation paper, the threshold number of poultry for registration in other jurisdictions ranges from one (ACT and NT) to 50 (VIC) and 100 (QLD, TAS, NSW). DPIRD encourages you to complete the online submission form and include your comments.
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Share We need you to make the number of chickens higher than 50. We are a farm that keeps chickens for bug control and fertilising the ground. We have chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. This total way over 50. We do not sell any produce from our poultry but they are very essential to our farm. Change the number allowed for non commercial farms to 100 and don’t charge a fee. Or add the poultry pic to the cattle/sheep pic so we are not burdened with another fee. We don’t make any money. on Facebook Share We need you to make the number of chickens higher than 50. We are a farm that keeps chickens for bug control and fertilising the ground. We have chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. This total way over 50. We do not sell any produce from our poultry but they are very essential to our farm. Change the number allowed for non commercial farms to 100 and don’t charge a fee. Or add the poultry pic to the cattle/sheep pic so we are not burdened with another fee. We don’t make any money. on Twitter Share We need you to make the number of chickens higher than 50. We are a farm that keeps chickens for bug control and fertilising the ground. We have chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. This total way over 50. We do not sell any produce from our poultry but they are very essential to our farm. Change the number allowed for non commercial farms to 100 and don’t charge a fee. Or add the poultry pic to the cattle/sheep pic so we are not burdened with another fee. We don’t make any money. on Linkedin Email We need you to make the number of chickens higher than 50. We are a farm that keeps chickens for bug control and fertilising the ground. We have chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. This total way over 50. We do not sell any produce from our poultry but they are very essential to our farm. Change the number allowed for non commercial farms to 100 and don’t charge a fee. Or add the poultry pic to the cattle/sheep pic so we are not burdened with another fee. We don’t make any money. link
We need you to make the number of chickens higher than 50. We are a farm that keeps chickens for bug control and fertilising the ground. We have chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. This total way over 50. We do not sell any produce from our poultry but they are very essential to our farm. Change the number allowed for non commercial farms to 100 and don’t charge a fee. Or add the poultry pic to the cattle/sheep pic so we are not burdened with another fee. We don’t make any money.
Love my poultry, pasture improvement asked about 4 years agoThe Department is seeking to find a balance between capturing information necessary for managing biosecurity risk and protecting poultry health while not impacting owners with small numbers of poultry. If you already have a property identification code (PIC) for sheep or cattle then you would not be required to obtain another one.
Thank you for your comment on how you use your chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. DPIRD encourages you to complete the formal online submission form to register your views.
do i need another pic for poultry if i already have one for sheep or cattle?do i need another pic for poultry if i already have one for sheep or cattle? -
Share Will the requirement to register also apply to the sale of fertile eggs, not to be sold for eating, regardless of size of flock? If so can you explain why the sale of eggs is a higher risk than the sale of live birds? on Facebook Share Will the requirement to register also apply to the sale of fertile eggs, not to be sold for eating, regardless of size of flock? If so can you explain why the sale of eggs is a higher risk than the sale of live birds? on Twitter Share Will the requirement to register also apply to the sale of fertile eggs, not to be sold for eating, regardless of size of flock? If so can you explain why the sale of eggs is a higher risk than the sale of live birds? on Linkedin Email Will the requirement to register also apply to the sale of fertile eggs, not to be sold for eating, regardless of size of flock? If so can you explain why the sale of eggs is a higher risk than the sale of live birds? link
Will the requirement to register also apply to the sale of fertile eggs, not to be sold for eating, regardless of size of flock? If so can you explain why the sale of eggs is a higher risk than the sale of live birds?
Poultry breeder asked about 4 years agoHi Poultry breeder, Thank you for your question. The proposal does not differentiate between fertile eggs and eggs for eating. DPIRD is seeking to find a balance between capturing information necessary for managing biosecurity risk but not impacting owners with small numbers of poultry.
DPIRD encourages you to complete the online submission form on the consultation webpage and include your comments.
fertile eggsfertile eggs -
Share We have over 50 mixed poultry which we keep purely for our own purposes. eg meat, eggs, fertilising the land. We do not sell any of the poultry or eggs. Why do we need to register? on Facebook Share We have over 50 mixed poultry which we keep purely for our own purposes. eg meat, eggs, fertilising the land. We do not sell any of the poultry or eggs. Why do we need to register? on Twitter Share We have over 50 mixed poultry which we keep purely for our own purposes. eg meat, eggs, fertilising the land. We do not sell any of the poultry or eggs. Why do we need to register? on Linkedin Email We have over 50 mixed poultry which we keep purely for our own purposes. eg meat, eggs, fertilising the land. We do not sell any of the poultry or eggs. Why do we need to register? link
We have over 50 mixed poultry which we keep purely for our own purposes. eg meat, eggs, fertilising the land. We do not sell any of the poultry or eggs. Why do we need to register?
JanetiB asked about 4 years agoHi JanetiB, thanks for your question.
Poultry traceability is important to allow DPIRD to contact owners in the event of an emergency disease (such as avian influenza) or other disease outbreaks and to support response activities.
In WA, the proposed changes are targeted to owners of significant numbers of poultry and poultry abattoirs.
Registration will be mandatory if:
- you own 50 or more poultry
- you own 10 or more emus or ostriches
- you sell bird meat or eggs (regardless of how many birds you own)
- you own a poultry abattoir.
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Consultation timeline
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Consultation opened - 3 September 2020
Enhancing poultry traceability in Western Australia has finished this stage -
Consultation closed - 1 October 2020
Enhancing poultry traceability in Western Australia has finished this stageContributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review.
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Final report
Enhancing poultry traceability in Western Australia has finished this stageThe summary report and submissions are published.
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Amendments introduced
Enhancing poultry traceability in Western Australia is currently at this stage
Consultation summary report
Download the consultation paper here
Poultry traceability FAQs
- What is the definition of ‘poultry’ in this consultation?
- Who will be required to register with DPIRD under the proposed changes to legislation?
- Will individual birds require some form of identification and for their movements to be recorded?
- Will the proposed registration changes affect backyard and hobby bird owners?
- If I already have a PIC for my livestock, will I need another PIC for my poultry under the proposed changes?
- How was the threshold number for poultry owner registration in WA determined?
- I’m already registered with the Department of Health as an egg producer. Why do I have to register with DPIRD as well under the proposed changes?
- How will having a PIC for my poultry property assist if WA has an emergency disease outbreak such as high pathogenic avian influenza or a food safety incident?
- Do poultry owners in other Australian jurisdictions have to register as a livestock owner?
- What is a property identification code (PIC)?
- Why does DPIRD use PICs for livestock traceability?
- Why is there a cost for registering as an owner of livestock in WA?
- I need more information before I make my submission. Who can I contact?
- How can I make a submission?
- What happens to the information in my submission?
- What are the next steps once the consultation closes?