The recent Blog on Exhibition Bird Movements into / out of GB clearly identifies a requirement that we “Captive Bird Breeders / Exhibitors” need to pay heed.

“….all birds must be identified with an individual identification number by means of a uniquely marked seamlessly closed leg-ring or a microchip. …….ID numbers of leg-rings or microchips must bear at least the ISO code of the exporting country performing the identification and a unique serial number…..”

What is an ISO CODE :- The International Standard for country codes and codes for their subdivisions. The country codes can be represented as a two-letter code (alpha-2) which is recommended as the general-purpose code. Think Car Sticker – GB (Great Britain) – FR (France) – AU (Australia) – IE (Ireland)

This being the case it behoves the IGBA to act proactively to ensure that its members rings comply with what will be future GB / EU requirements in order for members avian livestock to move out of / into the UK.

Currently IGBA rings be they split or closed identify: 1) Breed Year (21), 2) Ring Size “E”, 3) Member Number “A123” 4) Ring Number XXX 5) IGBA.

There is no room on the ring to put the ISO CODE. That being the case the Ring Steward intends to remove the lettering IGBA and replace with the ISO Code.

Future IGBA rings be they split or closed will identify: 1) Breed Year (22) 2) Ring Size “E” 3) Member Number “A123” 4) Ring Number XXX 5) ISO CODE e.g. “GB”

Overseas Members ISO Codes will be checked / identified prior to the ring order being sent to the supplier.

Due consideration has been given to replacing the IGBA lettering and it is felt that including the ISO Code will be far more important in the future for breeder/ exhibitors to identify stock origination, whist complying with regulations.