EU sets restrictions on bird markets, shows and zoo trade

The European Union has ordered restrictions on bird markets and shows and urged nations to present a program of vaccination for zoo birds as part of increased measures to head off the spread of bird flu.

Veterinary experts said there should be an immediate EU-wide ban on the collection of birds for markets, shows, exhibitions and cultural events, except where national authorities gave specific permission, the EU said in a statement released late yesterday.

The EU scientists also said national governments should consider vaccinating birds kept in zoos.

They said trade in vaccinated birds would be prohibited except under specific authorisation.

The statement also clarified wider measures taken to restrict imports of live birds and feathers from Russia, following the spread of bird flu there. It said the ban would cover all of Russia except for the north-west regions of Kaliningrad, Leningrad, Karelia and Murmansk, and the city of St. Petersburg.

The experts said there was no need to ban eggs or poultry from Russia because there was no trade in those products to the EU.

A second statement from EU vets said tests were continuing on samples from suspect birds from Greece, but added that “the last information available does not indicate the presence of the AI (avian influenza) virus”.

The experts also called for more measures to ensure that feed and water destined for domestic poultry were kept away from wild birds.

They urged hunters and bird watchers to report any strange behaviour for sudden mass deaths of wild birds.

However, the scientists sought to reassure the public, saying they consider “that the public is far less likely to be exposed in Europe than in Central Asia and the Far East because of the generally greater separation of human and commercially kept birds”.

The EU is drawing up guidelines to protect workers in regular contact with poultry. It said those handling dead birds should follow “normal hygiene measures” such as wearing gloves, washing hands and careful food preparation.