Ban On Bird Imports Relaxed

Press, Volume C, Issue 29599, 23 August 1961, Page 20

Ban On Bird Imports Relaxed

(NJS. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 22. In an attempt to overcome smuggling of aviary birds from Australia, the New Zealand Health and Agriculture departments have agreed on a slight easing of the ban on these birds which has been in force since 1930. “Except tor a period of some months in 1952,” says a circular sent by the Health Department to medical officers of health, “there has been a complete prohibition since 1980 on the importation into this Country of psittacin birds from Australia. This has been maintained in the face of protests from bird fariciers. “Smuggling is known to have resulted, and the more prized varieties of birds have found a ready sale on what is almost a recognised black market.”

In agreeing to a slight easing of the ban, the departments had laid down Stringent conditions. On application to the Department of Agriculture, the importations of birds by sea

from Australia will be authorised within six months from the date of issue of a permit, on the following conditions: 1. The birds must be accompanied by a certificate signed by an Australian Government veterinary officer stating tha,t the birds have been in an aviary in Australia for not less than . three months prior to the date of exportation to New Zealand, and that they have not been affected, or have come into contact with, any disease. The aviary must also not have been under any disease control restrictions in that period.

2. The birds must be examined by an Australian Government veterinary officer within 14 days before shipment, and must be accompanied by a certificate signed by him that they are in good health and free from external parasites. 3. On arrival in New Zealand the birds must be passed by an inspector appointed under the Stock

Act, 1908. He will also arrange tor identification of species. 4. The birds must be kept in isolation from all other bird* for 30 daye on the owner's premises. TVey will be subject to Inspection during that period. 5. Any sickness or deaths of the birds must be notified to the Department of Agriculture and all carcases of dead birds regained for examination and diagnosis. 5. The birds and any progeny must be kept in captivity.