Racers' fears over pigeon rules

Defra says the risk is greater from birds outside Britain

Bird flu restrictions could result in the demise of pigeon racing in the Channel Islands, it has been claimed.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in the UK has classified Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey as part of France.

But its decision means all racing pigeons entering the UK will have to spend 28 days in isolation.

The Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA) said Defra's decision was based on the islands' proximity to France.

Spokesman Peter Bryant said about 200 of its 34,000 members are from the Channel Islands.

Wild bird contact

The RPRA has challenged Defra's decision on islanders' behalf.

"I quite understand the disappointment, but it is purely geographical and not for any constitutional reasons," Mr Bryant said.

"I feel frustrated because we've battled hard to get the licence conditions we have to continue racing, but realistically I think we'll be stuck with the restrictions.

"Racing pigeons present a very low risk, but they can become infected with avian flu and because we cannot say categorically there is no risk, Defra is not prepared to accept the risk."

Defra said racing pigeon from the continent presented a greater risk.

"It is difficult to estimate the probability of contact between pigeons and wild birds but the likelihood of such contact will be greater during races that are longer in terms of time and distance," it says on its website.

"Delays in return due to events such as adverse weather conditions are also more likely during longer races."