A ban imposed by the UK on pigeon racing, bird shows, and falconry events is coming to an end in the country. The ban had been imposed after the avian flu’s lethal strain was detected in Eastern Europe. The H5N1 bird flu has been responsible for about 70 human causalities and the death of several million birds.
The ban had been imposed to prevent the outbreak of the virus in the country. The veterinary risk assessment led to the ban on such events which involved birds. The local animal health officials will however have to be informed before an event takes place, and a general license is still required for such events. Compliance with the bio-security measures is also necessary.The country’s Liberal Democrats have faulted the lifting of the ban and accused the Government of putting public and animal health at risk to cater to the bird fanciers. The lifting of the ban has been welcomed by The British Falconers' Club.
