EU Extends
Bird Ban
The European Union’s Standing Committee on the Food Chain
and Animal Health in July voted to extend its ban on the importation
of live captive birds through Dec. 31.
The import ban on captive birds and restrictions on pet birds
entering the EU from Third World countries went into effect
last October as a protective measure against the threat of
avian flu. In January, the EU extended the ban until the end
of May.
England’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals is seeking a permanent ban on wild bird imports.
However, the Pet Care Trust (Bedford, England) in June challenged
the recent RSPCA report. “Bans are often detrimental
to species survival and ecosystems in general,” said
Dr. Jim Collins, a livestock consultant to the Trust. “There
is evidence that sustainable trade in wildlife is in many
cases the best and only means of conserving wildlife and habitats.”
The RSPCA report also is inaccurate and inconsistent, according
to Collins. “There are a number of examples in the report
where statements supporting one argument are contradicted
elsewhere. There are references dating back to the early 1990s,
since when a great deal has changed for the better, both in
exporting nations and also in quarantine arrangements,”
he said.
The vigorous quarantine requirements implemented in response
to avian influenza are proportionate, said the Trust. [September
2006 PET AGE]
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