It was with a little consternation that we heard last week of the AI outbreak in North Wales. Fortunately it was the low pathogenic variant H7N2. DEFRA was pretty quick to clarify to me that this would not unduly affect pigeon racing. There is a one km zone around the farm but as it is very rural I believe that it doesn’t affect any other buildings or premises.

There has been however several questions posed by fanciers and if I do not know the answer then I do refer the question to DEFRA for a reply.

Firstly there are many GB strays on the Channel Islands and so I sought advice from DEFRA on what should happen. In the recent Pass the strays have been basketed and sent on the ferry to Weymouth where they are released to continue their journeys home. DEFRA however are not happy with this. As reported recently for the purposes of AI restrictions the Channel Islands are considered to be ‘continental’. So the response from DEFRA is:

1. The birds are effectively being imported back into the British Isles as captive birds so cannot attend a bird gathering for 28 days
2. They must also undergo the relevant isolation period.

This in fact happened last weekend when one aborted French liberation returned to the UK. We were able to obtain permission from DEFRA for the liberation in the UK to go ahead. If this does happen to you then please do not forget that you must advise Racing Support of the change of liberation and that you must still follow booking information available for the liberation sites. For example some sites are not available during the week or have restrictions on some weekends. Only official RPRA liberation sites are to be used.

Peter Bryant
General Manager
The Royal Pigeon Racing Association