Pigeon-racing 'bird flu' rules relaxed
Rules governing bird gatherings and pigeon-racing are to be relaxed, it was announced today.
Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan confirmed that meetings would be permitted with immediate effect, subject to a number of conditions.
The new arrangement will apply to gatherings for shows, exhibitions and markets and reverses the decision taken in February to limit such events following outbreaks of bird flu across Europe.
Ms Coughlan also confirmed that pigeon-racing between Britain and Ireland would be allowed under licence from May 17.
Currently, pigeon-racing is allowed only on an all-island basis.
The Minister said that, following a period of relative stability regarding the bird flu, controls were being relaxed.
Ms Coughlan said that her Department would continue to carefully monitor the situation.
The Minister also confirmed that, if circumstances demanded, she wouldn’t hesitate to reverse today's decision and re-impose controls.
