BIRDS FROM OVERSEAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20519, 21 March 1930, Page 14

BIRDS FROM OVERSEAS.

IM P 0 RTATI.O N PR 0 HIBITE D. ;

RESULT OF PARROT FEVER.

BAN FOR TWELVE MONTHS,

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.] ' WELLINGTON. Thursday.

The importation of parrots into New Zealand was recently prohibited by tho authorities on account of the disease psittacosis (parrot fever), which has caused many deaths in South America and European countries. Under the Animals Protection and Game Act, it is necessary to obtain tho permission of tho Minister of Internal Affairs for tho importation of birds other than domestic birds.. In viow of the outbreak of psittacosis and the prohibition imposed, various opinions have been expressed whether, in the interests of tho health of the people of the Dominion, tho position was satisfactorily met by limiting the ban to parrots and members of the parrot family.

Tho Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. P. A. da la Perrelle, stated to-day that from reports he had received psittacosis was primarily a disease of parrots and allied species, but the disease also affected smaller birds, aAd acting on tho advice of the Health Department it had been decided not to issuo any further authorities under tho Animals Protection and Game Act for tho importation of birds. The prohibition was to apply as a commencement for a period of 12 months, when the matter would be again reviewed. "There would be, of course," stated the Minister, "a number of birds already in transit under authorities already granted, and in such cases conditions will bo imposed as to quarantine where considered necessary.