USDA Reminds the Public About Animal Welfare Act Regulations for Birds

Stakeholder Announcement

WASHINGTON, February 15, 2024 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reminding the public of the final rule establishing new regulations and standards governing the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds covered by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The final rule applies to captive birds not bred for use in research.

For new AWA licensees and registrants, this rule will go into effect on February 21, 2024. For current AWA licensees and registrants, this rule went into effect on August 21, 2023. The final rule will help ensure all birds subject to the AWA are raised and cared for in conditions that ensure their good health and well-being, and that their physical and behavioral needs are met. This final rule may be viewed in the Federal Register.

More information regarding birds covered under the AWA, including frequently asked questions and informational videos, can be found on the USDA APHIS website: USDA APHIS | AWA Standards for Birds

To learn more about licensing or registration under the AWA or to apply for a license or registration, please visit the USDA APHIS website: SDA APHIS | Apply for a License or Registration

USDA APHIS encourages distribution of this information to individuals, organizations, industry groups, and other stakeholders interested in learning about birds covered under the AWA. APHIS is committed to ensuring the welfare of regulated animals and continues to carry out the critical day-to-day work of enforcing the AWA, including establishing acceptable standards of humane care and treatment for regulated animals and monitoring and achieving compliance through inspections, enforcement, education, and cooperative efforts.

APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.