Update on avian flu in France

[DOMINIQUE]

View from the Reddings

 

AI Update

 

Well our good luck of racing from the continent ran out last week when the French Government made the decision to ban all pigeon racing from France due to an outbreak of bird flu in North East France.  This was close to the area in Germany where they had had outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 a couple of weeks ago and there was obvious concern about the spread of the disease.  DEFRA met later that afternoon and decided, as a precautionary measure, to ban all continental racing for the time being until such time that the situation was clearer about the spread of the disease. Our DEFRA stakeholder group was scheduled to meet on Friday afternoon which I attended via telephone link.  The current situation was reiterated and providing that there are no further outbreaks we will be pushing to have continental racing reinstated.  So don’t give up hope of getting back across the water.

 

Several organisations telephoned to ask about different options like Belgium or Spain and these were investigated before the DEFRA ban took hold.  The Spanish authorities countered that they require 45 days notice of any liberations so that seemed to rule Spain out but the news was more promising from Belgium who didn’t seem to take such a knee jerk reaction.  I have already discussed with DEFRA the possibility of an early review of the situation and will pass any news on this on as soon as I get it.

 

 

 

Change of Liberation Sites

 

With the uncertainty of AI it means that some organisations have changed race plans at very short notice.  DEFRA AHDOs have been very understanding over these changes and we will continue to advise them of liberations but if course we can only do that if you have told us.  Please advise the racing support team as soon as you know of any changes so that we can advise land owners. Not every site is always available every week because of horse racing, fairs etc so it is important to check.  

 

 

 

RPRA One Loft Race

 

The first Hot Spot race is looming, scheduled for Tuesday 24th July.  Do watch the website and/or phone Libline if the weather looks iffy because the race will be delayed a day if this is the case.  Please submit your pooling forms in good time as there is a cut off date when we cannot accept any new entries.  As usual, if your pigeon does not go to the race then you will be refunded all pools entered for that race.  Training is going well with around 740 birds still at the loft.  Jeremy is training from about 32 miles and the pigeons are working their way back to Birtsmorton well.  

 

 

 

Liberation Site Incident Reports

 

We hear from time to time of problems at liberation sites.  Of course we cannot remedy anything if we don’t know of the problem.  The Racing support team has therefore produced an Incident report form that secretaries and/or convoyers can complete to advise us of any problems.  Please do help us to help you if you find a problem.