Summary: Avian influenza : EU extends ban on captive bird imports and prolongs restrictions for pet birds (24 January 2006: Brussels)
The European Commission will extend the ban on imports of captive live birds, other than poultry for commercial purposes, until 31 May 2006, following a positive opinion by Member States in the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFCAH) today. The embargo is part of the series of EU preventative measures against avian influenza, and has been prolonged today as a result of the current situation in Turkey and other countries where the disease is still present. The extension of the ban also means that it will now cover the spring migration period, when migrating birds will return to their nesting grounds. There are certain derogations from the captive birds import ban. Birds are allowed to be moved between approved zoos and similar institutions, and hatching eggs of non-poultry birds can be imported for use in authorised hatcheries if their shells are decontaminated upon arrival, or if they are being sent to zoos. The Standing Committee also agreed today to extend, until the end of May, restrictions on the movement of birds accompanying their owners (pet birds) from third countries. These restrictions include an entry limit of five birds per accompanying owner and strict quarantine requirements for these birds (either 30-days quarantine in approved third countries, or 30-days quarantine in the Member State of destination). As an alternative to quarantine, the pet birds may be admitted if they have been vaccinated against avian influenza, or have tested negative for the disease during a ten day isolation period prior to movement. The restrictions for birds accompanying their owners do not apply to pet birds entering the EU from Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein Andorra, Iceland, Greenland, Faeroe Islands and San Marino.
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