EU regulates the import of wild birds

The EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health has passed new regulations concerning the import of wild birds. According to these, with effect from 1st July only exotic wild birds that have been bred in captivity in selected countries may be imported into the EU. The EU is the world's biggest importer of wild birds, bringing in approx. 1.76 mio birds per year. The EU Standing Committee on Health had already passed a precautionary ban on imports of wild birds following on from a discussion regarding the spread of bird flu. This dealt a significant blow to the trade in wild birds in the EU and caused enormous damage to the sector. The import ban was due to end on 31st December 2006.