Import Ban Live Poultry.

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A decision made (13/11/2007) regarding: Import Ban Live Poultry.

Subject:	Import Live Poultry
Decision Reference:	MD-PE-2007-0274		Exempt clause(s):
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?			Report File ref:	ED\01\03\02
Written report – Title	Import Ban Live Poultry
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Linda Lowseck, States Veterinary Officer
Decision(s): Introduce temporary ban on import of all live poultry following confirmation of H5 Avian Influenza in Suffolk, England.
Reason(s) for decision: Until more information is available identifying virus, source and possible spread, this measure will protect Jersey’s bird population from virus introduction by domestic poultry.
Action required: Agree no import licences are issued for live poultry to Jersey and existing unused licences are cancelled.
Signature: (Minister)		Date of Decision:

Import Ban Live Poultry.

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION

Import Ban Live Poultry

(Public)

Purpose of the Report

To protect Jersey’s domestic poultry and other birds e.g. Durrell collection, from incursion of a notifiable disease, Avian Influenza.

Background

H5 strain of Avian Influenza virus has been confirmed on premises in Diss on Norfolk/Suffolk border England. Source of infection and extent of any spread is unknown.

Discussion

Avian Influenza can cause enormous losses to the poultry industry and could have serious consequences for endangered species if confirmed in Jersey. The disease is spread chiefly through movement of infected birds or contaminated equipment or personnel.

Conclusion

Until further official information is available, a ban on importation of all live poultry will immediately reduce the risk to Jersey’s bird population.

Recommendation

Agree that no import licences are issued for live poultry and any unused licences are cancelled until further information is available.

Written by:	Linda Lowseck, States Veterinary Officer

Approved by:	Chris Newton, Director of Environment

Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2007-0274

13 November 2007

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