Vets Join Call for a Permanent Ban on Wild Bird Imports
25 July 2006
Launching today (Tuesday) a position statement on the import of captive live birds from countries outside the EU, British Veterinary Association (BVA) President Dr Freda Scott-Park announced that the veterinary profession called for the current ban on the import of wild birds to be made permanent because of concerns for the welfare of the birds during capture and transit.
Following discussions at BVA Council and the recent BVA Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) forum the BVA now believes a permanent ban is essential, not least due to the high mortality rates associated with the trade. “These rates, which can be as high as 60% before they reach the pet shops, are not accepted in any other industry and should not be accepted in the wild bird trade” said Dr Scott-Park. “We were appalled to hear, following the reported case of H5N1 in a quarantine centre, that mortality rates of 12% (dead on arrival or during quarantine) were considered as 'the norm' in the industry.”
In addition to calling for a ban on the wild bird trade, the position statement urges tighter controls on the import, quarantine and identification of captive bred birds for the pet trade. "The vast majority of birds sold into the pet trade in the UK could and should be captive bred within the EU. This would reduce the high mortalities caused by stressful capture techniques and cramped and stressful conditions during transit."
Dr Scott-Park also urged pet owners to consider carefully the types of birds they purchase in the future and to try and seek assurances from the seller that the birds were captive bred for the pet trade. “The trade is driven by consumer demand and pet owners have the ability to significantly improve the welfare of the birds they purchase” she said.
According to the Dr Scott-Park Government also has a significant part to play. "There is an urgent need for improved border controls across the EU to stop illegal trade from third countries and, in line with the recommendations in the Dimmock Report on Avian Quarantine, to ensure that conditions in quarantine centres across the EU are secure and effective. The Government also needs to encourage stricter identification and certification measures to allow traceability of individual birds and to ensure that buyers have confidence that they are actually purchasing captive bred birds and not illegally smuggled wild caught birds, which are then passed off as captive bred."
ENDS
Notes for Editors
1. Click here for the BVA position statement on the Import of Captive Live Birds - sections 26-37 cover the import of wild caught live birds.
2. For further information please contact the BVA Press Office on 020 7636 6541 or media@bva.co.uk.