Macclesfield Euro MP Brian Simpson has extended his considerable sporting interest by supporting local pigeon racers in a dispute with the Government over where they can race their pigeons from. Last year the UK Government banned pigeons racing from continental Europe to Britain because of the risk of bird flu. Now after Mr Simpson’s intervention, the European Union has confirmed that the risk of avian flu being spread from pigeons is very low indeed and he believes the UK Government may have over reacted in banning continental pigeon racing.
“No doubt the UK Government thought it was acting in the best interests of the country, but what is clearly apparent now is that pigeon are low risk in regards to avian flu and the decision to ban continental pigeon racing was wrong.” said the Labour MEP.
In a written reply to a question submitted by Mr Simpson, Commissioner Vassillou stated that “the European Food Safety Authority concluded that it was very unlikely for pigeons to become infected with avian flu viruses.” Further the Commissioner pointed out that even if pigeon were infected by the highly contagious H5NI virus, there is no evidence that they have the ability to pass on the virus to other species.
“Pigeon racing is still quite popular in and around the Macclesfield area and the UK Government ban badly affected the ability of pigeon fanciers to participate in their sport. I have now written to the Government pointing out what the EU is saying in the hope that they recognise that international pigeon racing poses little or no threat in regard to bird flu and that in the future no bans should be imposed unless compelling evidence exists that there is a serious risk” concluded Mr Simpson.
For more information regarding pigeon racing contact:
Glyn Picton, 2 Baldwin Street, Newport, NP20 2LT
