The government says all bird keepers will be required to register their flocks under new measures to protect the poultry industry from bird flu outbreaks.
East Anglia was at the centre of the nation's worst ever outbreak of avian influenza during the autumn of 2022, with millions of birds culled.
Altogether, there have been more than 360 cases across Britain since October 2021, including a "significant number" in backyard flocks.
Although case numbers have since dropped, the continuing threat of the disease has prompted Defra to introduce requirements for all bird keepers to officially register their birds - regardless of the size of their flock.
Under current legislation, only those who keep 50 or more poultry must do this.
Owners will need to provide information, including their contact details, the location where birds are kept and details of the birds, such as species, number and what they are kept for.
Defra says this will allow important information to be shared on nearby bird flu outbreaks and biosecurity rules, while the register will also help animal health teams to identify all bird keepers in disease control zones, allowing for more effective surveillance and mitigation measures.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "These new rules will enable us to have a full picture of the number and location of birds kept across Great Britain, making it easier to track and manage the spread of avian disease.
“This information will be vital in helping to inform future risk assessments and maintain our commitment to continually building our extensive avian influenza research portfolio.”
Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, added: "New registration requirements are a good step towards supporting birdkeepers and government to collaborate seamlessly to combat disease spread.
"Timely communication ensures all birdkeepers receive important updates and stay informed, amplifying efforts to work together to track and control the spread of avian influenza.
"Alongside stringent biosecurity measures, registration is another tool in the toolbox to safeguard bird health."
The new rules cover backyard flocks, birds of prey and pigeon fanciers, but do not affect caged pet birds (excluding any poultry species) kept entirely inside a domestic dwelling, such as a parrot, canary or budgie.
The government says new legislation will be set out "shortly", but encouraged keepers in England and Wales to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline on October 1, 2024.
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