PR244/07 DARD Lifts Ban on Birds Coming to Bird Gatherings 05/12/07

The ban has been lifted on the movement of birds from Britain to attend bird gatherings here.

However, the ban remains in place in respect of those zones that are still restricted in Britain in respect of Avian Influenza.

DARD imposed the ban on 13 November 2007 as a precautionary measure following the Avian Flu outbreak in Suffolk.

The decision to revoke this measure was taken following the Defra announcement on 23 November that the Britain-wide ban on all bird gatherings was being lifted, with the exception of the zones still under restriction.

There has been no change to trade requirements. New specific and general licensing arrangements introduced on 13 November still apply. Any prospective importer wishing to import produce from any part of Britain should contact DARD Trade Section at 028 9052 4664 before import.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. As a precautionary measure, DARD introduced a ban on birds from GB attending bird gatherings in Northern Ireland following the AI outbreak in Suffolk.

2. The Defra reports from the investigations into Avian Influenza in Suffolk can be found on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk

3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.