Importing poultry

Importing poultry and hatching eggs

Poultry and hatching eggs can be imported into Jersey from the UK, Isle of Man or other Channel Islands using a specific licence.

To import poultry using the specific licence you must:

• complete an application form
• ensure that the Animal Health and Welfare section of the Department of the Environment receives the form at least 5 working days before the planned import

Application to import poultry

Poultry import notification form

If you are importing commercial poultry you must comply with the following conditions:

• The animal health and welfare section of the department must be notified in writing, of the exact date and time of import* at least 24 hours prior to arrival. The notification form should be emailed to Pets@gov.je

• In accordance with Council Directive 2005/94/EC if disease has been confirmed no poultry can be imported from a Protection Zone (PZ) of 3 km and Surveillance Zone (SZ) of 10 km.

• Before leaving the premises of export, the exterior of the vehicle must be free of any visible contamination with mud, slurry, animal faeces, excretion or any other similar matter. The vehicle wheels and wheel arches must be cleaned and disinfected after loading and before leaving the premises with an approved disinfectant. Any crates or boxes must be clean and disinfected prior to loading.

• Exporters must comply with the welfare laws relating to the exporting country. Birds must be transported in a suitable container, with adequate ventilation and if transported by air, in accordance with International air Transport Association (IATA) standards.

• After importation, the birds must be kept at the destination declared in the licence and custody of the bird(s) must not be transferred within 21 days after importation.

• Except when prior written approval has been given by the States Veterinary Officer no movements of any live poultry off the premises is permitted during the 21 days after importation.

• Good biosecurity should be practiced at all times to protect your birds including isolating new stock. Ensure good hygiene practices are in place so that the risk of disease occurring or spreading is minimised. 

Other conditions may apply and are included on the licence.

If you wish to import poultry from elsewhere in Europe then you must contact the Department of the Environment.

Poultry welfare code