DARD bans pigeon racing from France as a precautionary measure

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has announced an immediate ban on pigeon racing from France and the Channel Islands.

This precautionary measure, which takes effect from today, is in response to the confirmation of Avian Flu H5N1 in wild birds in France and the decision by the French authorities to ban pigeon racing throughout France.

This ban does not affect domestic pigeon racing activity within the UK or throughout the island of Ireland, which is permitted to continue. Similar precautionary action is being taken by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF) in the Republic of Ireland.

Any owners returning from cancelled races in France may release their birds for welfare reasons when they get back to Northern Ireland.

The Chief Veterinary Officer, Bert Houston said: “In light of the recent cases of Avian Flu H5N1 in France and other parts of Europe, it is important that Northern Ireland bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity.

“All bird keepers should feed and water their birds under cover. Keepers should contact their Private Veterinary Practitioner if they detect signs of disease.

“I would also encourage keepers to review their plans for how they will house or otherwise separate their birds from wild birds if that becomes necessary.”

DARD also reminds the public to report unusual mortalities of wild birds via the DARD Helpline, tel: 028 9052 4999.

Notes to Editors:

1. There is no reason for public health concern. Avian influenza is a disease of birds, and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.
2. Guidance for members of the public on what they should do if they find a dead wild bird is available on the DARD website .
3. Guidance to help bird keepers find practical ways of minimising contact with wild birds is available in the leaflet ‘Preparing for Avian Influenza – Separating flocks from Wild Birds’ issued in June 2006. Information is also available on the DARD website.
4. One way Avian Influenza can be spread to domestic birds is through contact with infected wild birds. Contact may be direct or indirect through faecal contamination of anything that may come into contact with domestic birds such as feed, water, utensils or clothing. The risk of disease spread can therefore be reduced by minimising contact with wild birds.
5. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
6. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.
7. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.