Bird gatherings general licence amended

Defra today announced that following a review of the Veterinary Risk Assessment relating to pigeon racing, it has been decided that the General Licence for bird gatherings will be amended.

Racing pigeons will no longer be required to undergo a seven day isolation following a race from continental Europe and pigeons from outside the UK will no longer be required to be in the UK for 28 days prior to a race. This means that pigeons from continental Europe can now be gathered with birds from the UK without undergoing a quarantine period. This decision has been made based on current available evidence and experience of avian influenza, especially the

H5N1 virus. These changes will come into effect immediately.

The General Licence for bird gatherings contains disease prevention measures for avian influenza. These measures are kept under constant review to ensure they are proportionate. In the event of an avian influenza outbreak or case, Defra will assess if the General Licence in force at that time needs to be revoked or amended.