PEOPLE who keep more than 50 gamebirds in captivity for even part of the year have only a few weeks left to register with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The measure has been introduced as part of contingency planning to tackle the possible arrival of avian flu.

The new register is primarily aimed at poultry keepers but also covers gamebirds. This means most shoots which rear birds or use a release pen will have to comply. The Avian Influenza (Preventative Measures) Regulation 2005 requires those who usually keep 50 or more poultry to register their birds and the legislation classes gamebirds as poultry.

People who hold more than 50 birds in captivity have until February 28 to register. This includes shoots planning to release birds next season.

Spokesman for the British Association of Shooting and Conservation Mark Cokayne said: "All shoots which keep poults for rearing and release need to register. In the event of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu the register will allow information to be sent quickly to anyone who needs it. It will also allow better disease control management."

Registration forms can be downloaded from Defra's website at www.defra.gov.uk. BASC also has copies and is able to help members with completion of the form. Members should call BASC's gamekeeping department on 01244 573019 for information.