Defra launches consultation on charging for Avian Quarantine

Defra today launched a consultation on the options for veterinary regulation of quarantine of captive birds from outside the EU including options on full cost recovery for England

Following the case of avian influenza in a quarantine premises in Essex in October 2005, the Government announced an independent Review of Avian Quarantine for captive birds. This was set up to examine quarantine arrangements and procedures and made 32 recommendations on changes needed to ensure that the quarantine regime is as secure as possible in light of the evolving disease situation. This also included recommendations on charging.

As part of its response to the review, the Government undertook to carry out a full consultation on charging. The consultation also looks at the level of veterinary supervision and regulation of quarantine to feed in to EU discussions later in the year. This takes account of the fact that the European Food Safety Authority, on behalf of the European Commission, is preparing a report on the animal health and welfare aspects of the captive bird trade which is due to report in October.

Since October 2005, there has been an EU wide ban on the import of captive birds from outside the EU which has now been extended until 31 December 2006. As a result, there has been a great deal of uncertainty regarding the short and long term future of the ban, due to the changing Avian Influenza disease situation. Defra has been working closely with stakeholders to ensure that the UK is as prepared as possible during this time. This consultation is a further step in taking this work forward.

Notes to editors

The consultation is available at the following link: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/avian-quarantine/index.htm

Further information on avian quarantine is available at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/control/avianquarantine

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