Press Release: New rules for captive bird imports to protect animal health in the EU and improve the welfare of imported birds

A draft Regulation laying down strict conditions for the import of live captive birds, such as parrots and macaws, was backed unanimously by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on 12 January 2007. The new rules are necessary to protect animal health in the EU, and follow the recommendations laid down in the Opinion on the import of such birds, issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in October 2006. The Regulation will also improve the animal welfare of imported birds. Under the new Regulation, only specific countries or regions which have already been approved to export live commercial poultry will be allowed to export captive birds to the EU. These approved countries have demonstrated high standards of animal health and the ability to cope with international animal health concerns. Stringent conditions will have to be met both before and after the birds are imported into the EU, and Member States will be required to provide more detailed information on such imports. Birds caught in the wild will not be allowed to be imported into the EU. The new rules will not apply to certain types of birds, including commercial poultry and pet birds accompanying their owners, as these are already covered by separate EU legislation.