PRESS RELEASE The end of smallholding
3 November '05, PRESS RELEASE Nederlandse Werkgroep hobbymatig gehouden Pluimvee en ParkvogelsThe end of smallholding
Two weeks ago the EU decided to endorse further measures to reduce the threat of Avian Influenza into Europe.
One of these measures is to restrict keeping poultry outdoor in areas of particular risk, including birds kept as a hobby.
Still no exception on this measure is allowed, not even for species like water fowl that is kept in large open spaces. These birds will die slowly and cruelly when they have limited space and water – as their fellows in the free nature.
Avoiding contact specifically with migrating birds could limit the restriction period to the 7 months of fall and winter, but one cannot avoid contact with wild birds in general throughout the whole year without indefinite restriction. And this could become reality because we know that the virus in Asia, so highly dangerous for humans, is out of control for many more years to come.
Already news from Belgium tells us that various smallholders and special parks with rare breeds and endangered species of birds rather send their animals to the slaughterhouse than make them suffer in restriction. The same news is heard in Holland. - The end of smallholding.
As always economic reasons (like guarantees for sale of chicken meat and eggs) are in the way of vaccination. And consider that vaccination could banish the threat of bird flu from our world...
Europe, wake up! Start the vaccination programme rather today than tomorrow!
For more information: Christine Bijl (+31) 342-44.19.11