The European Commission has banned the import of live birds into the European Union (EU) from outside countries. The ban covers captive live birds except poultry imported for commercial purposes. No more than five birds will be allowed into the EU with their owners, provided they have undergone a 30 day quarantine, been vaccinated against avian influenza, or have tested negative for avian influenza in a 10 day isolation period before movement. However, birds may be accompanied by their owners between the EU and Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein Andorra, Iceland, Greenland, Faeroe Islands and San Marino. Birds may also be moved between approved zoos and similar institutions [1].

This ban follows the confirmation of an infection with influenza A(H5N1) in a parrot in the United Kingdom. The parrot’s infection was discovered while it was in quarantine, after it had been imported from Surinam. It had been quarantined with other birds imported from Taiwan [2].

At the same time, the European Commission also adopted a decision to ban imports of all live birds including poultry, wild feathered game meat and unprocessed feathers from Croatia, following the discovery there of birds infected with influenza A(H5) [3]. This ban is similar to that applied to Romania, Turkey and other countries with confirmation of A(H5N1) infections in birds [4].

Legislative decision (2005/745/EC) adopted by the European Union member states on 21 October, requires member states to restrict the keeping of poultry outdoors in areas assessed as being at risk from avian influenza [5]. This means that wild birds should have no contact with feed and water meant for domestic poultry, and there should be no opportunity for wild birds to come into contact with farmed birds, which may imply restrictions on keeping birds in the open air in some areas. It also puts an immediate ban on bringing together poultry and other birds at markets, shows, fairs and similar events, although this may be authorised by the competent authority subject to the favourable outcome of a risk assessment.

Hunters, ornithologists and people who may have contact with wild birds are not currently facing restrictions, but are being urged to observe stringent personal hygiene such as careful hand washing after any contact with dead wild birds [6,7]. These groups are also being encouraged to report any unusual bird die-offs.

 

Correction: Commission Decision 2005/744/EC was listed as reference 5 when this article was published on 27 October. It should have been Decision 2005/745/EC, and this mistake was corrected on 28 October 2005.
Eurosurveillance editorial office, 28 October 2005