"The European Union have implemented an immediate ban on all shows, markets, fairs and sales involving collections of birds across the EU. The ban will be in place until 31 December 2005 when it will be subject to review." it was reported today by the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (UK).
The first major show of the pigeon showing season was planned for this weekend (29/30 October 2005) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Countryside Live Food and Farming Fair had 506 pigeons and 1,078 other birds entered for this weekend. Honorary show director, Bill Cowling said, "We are of course disappointed that these two important elements of Countryside Live cannot go ahead, but clearly the safety of people and the birds must come first so we have no hesitation in complying."
News of the ban came through as a case of Avian Flu was confirmed in two geese, in Germany.
The EU had already banned imports of live birds and bird products from Turkey, Romania, the Greek island of Chios, Russia, Croatia and Thailand, where H5N1 has either been found or suspected.
RPRA General Manager Peter Bryant added, "At this stage it is indeed hoped that the Show of the Year (21/22 January 2006) will take place in some form or another although pigeon sales at Blackpool and the Show Pigeons will be subject to DEFRA decisions."
