European Member States have endorsed a draft Commission decision to ban imports of captive live birds other than poultry for commercial purposes, at a meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. According to a press statement, the measures, which follow the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a bird held in quarantine in the UK last week, aim to further strengthen the EU’s defences against avian influenza.

The ban covers captive live birds other than poultry imported for commercial purposes. A separate decision regulates the movement of birds accompanying their owners which will be subject to certain conditions.

The ban on commercial imports of captive live birds and the regulation of movements from third countries of birds accompanying their owners (pet birds) will be effective immediately.