Bird flu risk 'highlighted' in new hard-hitting report » Environment » 24dash.com

A new report published today questions whether wild bird imports can be justified in the light of the consequences of the trade for both health and welfare.

The report's authors - the European Food Safety Authority - were asked by the European Commission to report on the risks of disease being imported with wild caught birds. 

They conclude that the trade presents a "very serious" hazard when assessing the possibility of introducing diseases such as bird 'flu into the European Union.

"The risk assessment level for disease spread as 'very serious' is at the very top of their assessment scale," said John Rolls, RSPCA director of Animal Welfare Promotion. 

"The report also highlights the cruelty of the capture and ongoing captivity of wild birds.  It provides strong arguments for making the current ban permanent."

The RSPCA is campaigning for a permanent ban on the import of wild caught birds.

The EU is the largest importer of wild caught birds in the world, responsible for over 90% of imports of threatened and endangered species. 

A temporary wild bird import ban was first introduced in October 2005 as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of importing bird 'flu.

The ban has been renewed several times and is due for review shortly as it expires on December 31 this year. 

EFSA commissioned today's report to assess both the welfare and health risks of importing wild birds.

John Rolls said: "The European scientists confirm that up to 70 per cent of wild birds die during trapping and in transit before they even reach quarantine.  They hint that the safest and most welfare-friendly course would be a permanent ban on this cruel and unnecessary trade. The RSPCA agrees."