You may not feel this necessary but should the disease reach the UK all birds within a 6-mile radius of an infection will be culled. It only takes one person to see your birds out flying and because of scaremongering by the media, it is likely that the public will report this to DEFRA and your birds will be culled, its not worth losing years of work for. We have to be able to confirm with DEFRA that our Members' birds are captive to try to avoid a culling order. It is imperative that you heed this advice, don't wait until the disease is here, start NOW.
'INCREASE YOUR BIOSECURITY. This means ensuring that everything is kept as clean as possible, change water daily and ensure your feed stock comes from a reputable source. Install a footbath with an appropriate disinfectant in and USE IT, faeces are the most likely source for the spread of disease.
IF YOU HAVE AN OPEN AVIARY COVER THE ROOF OVER TO STOP DROPPINGS FALLING IN FROM OTHER SPECIES. This can be done easily with tarpaulin secured on to the main building. Ensure control of vermin. NPA NEWS For anyone planning on importing birds from EEC countries there is a new health certificate, which overrides the previous one, this was issued on 11th November 2005. Anyone wanting a certificate can contact the NPA Secretary to obtain one.
T. Edwards
NPA Secretary.
DEFRA announced on 17th November that they have moved pigeons in to the low risk category. This decision was taken after they had read reports submitted by the NPA and RPRA.
This therefore means that pigeon shows could be authorised provided that they comply with the following conditions.
A nominated person must be designated as the show organiser and responsible record keeper.
A record of names, addresses and phone numbers of exhibitors must be kept for 3 months in case tracing is required.
No sales of birds must take place at the event and birds should return to the place of origin.
A named Veterinary Surgeon must be contactable for advice in case of suspect disease or welfare problem.
Biosecurity advice must be available at the event.
Written contingencies, held by the nominated responsible person, must be available in the event of a disease incident at the event or nearby the event.
All litter and manure within the cages must be collected for disposal.
All litter and manure must be disposed of in sealed bags for normal refuse collection in such a manner that other birds do not have direct access to it.
All cages must be cleansed and disinfected both prior to and after the show.
Other birds, apart form those in the low risk category must be excluded.
All NPA affiliated organisation Secretaries have been informed of this. The licence form is available from the DEFRA Office local to where a show would be held. It is also advisable to request an update at the same time as some decisions change on a frequent basis.
Tracey Edwards
NPA Secretary
