International trade: Customer Information Notes - GEN/08/98
Trade restrictions due to avian influenza
Background
Customer Information Notes GEN 08/93, GEN 08/94 and GEN 08/95 issued on 4, 5 and 6 June 2008 respectively explained the background to the UK avian influenza outbreak which occurred on 3 June 2008 and the subsequent trade issues.
Non-EU Exports
As advised in GEN 08/93, all export health certificates for live poultry and other birds were put on hold and are being released once positive confirmation is received from the veterinary authorities of the destination third country that they are content to accept the consignment.
This CIN is to confirm that positive confirmation from the third country authorities is considered to be:
- a letter or email from the relevant veterinary authority confirming that they will accept the consignment;
- a letter or email from the British Embassy or British High Commission reporting that the relevant veterinary authority has confirmed to them that they will accept the consignment;
- an official web-site of the relevant veterinary authority publishing conditions under which they will accept a consignment of live birds; or
- a valid import permit for the consignment issued after the June 3 avian influenza outbreak from the relevant veterinary authority.
Defra take a responsible approach to the issue of export health certificates, particularly for live animals. Difficulties with an importing third country accepting a consignment of, in this case day old chicks or live birds, may well present welfare issues as well as damage our relationship with the country concerned. This is a situation we are keen to avoid. It is therefore imperative that exporters are confident that any consignment for live animals will be accepted in the destination country.
Information
For the latest information on the trade situation with third countries please see the avian influenza page of the Defra web-site.
CIN Circulation List
If you are not receiving this CIN by email and you would like to do so, please send your name and email address to your local AHDO.
Further Enquiries
Any enquiries about exports or this Customer Information Note should be directed to your local Animal Health Office.
Page published: 10 June, 2008