Czech Rep bans imports of exotic birds from non-EU countries

The Czech Republic will - with minor exceptions - ban imports of exotic birds from countries that are not EU members, to reduce the danger of the spread of bird flu. The Czech Agriculture Minister Petr Zgarba said on Monday that the measure was in harmony with a European Commission directive. The ban concerns primarily commercial imports, while individuals will be allowed to bring small number of birds - less than five - into the country. All these imports will have to be made via Prague's Ruzyne international airport. Birds will be kept in quarantine for 30 days or have to be vaccinated or checked for the bird flu virus.

The import restrictions are expected to be kept in place for at least six months.