(iWitness News) – St. Vincent and the Grenadines has announced that the ban on the importation of birds, which had been in effect since 2011, has been lifted with immediate effect.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation said that the ban was instituted in 2011 as a precautionary measure to prevent the introduction of avian diseases such as Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease.
It also aimed to protect the small, fragile local poultry sector and prevent illness in the native population of the Amazona Guildingii, the country’s national bird.
“At the time of the ban, the national diagnostic and surveillance capacity was limited; however, recent investments in laboratory testing and regional cooperation have significantly strengthened the country’s ability to manage animal health risks,” the ministry said in a press release.
It said favourable consideration of the removal of the ban was made based on the following international alignment, as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) Terrestrial Code provides clear guidelines for safe trade in pet birds.
