RPRA - Channel Racing 2021

[willie reynolds]

At a meeting with DEFRA today it was confirmed that the EU commission has agreed to provide a transitional period for the movement of racing pigeons into the EU for the purpose of racing. This transitional period will run until October 2021 after which time we will have to meet the requirements of the new Animal Health Requirements; unless derogations can be achieved. From recent communications with French Border Control Posts it is obvious that this information has not yet cascaded down to the staff on the ground. DEFRA have a meeting next week where they hope to accelerate this information. However, due to the levels of Avian Influenza on the continent at this point in time the General license does not allow us to race from the continent. This position will be reviewed next week and we hope to have news within the week after next. I am sure everyone will receive this as positive news. The largest hurdle to channel racing now has a temporary solution. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at DEFRA who have worked to a position that means we have a temporary solution to the Animal Health Law. More information will be published in due course.

an Evans CEO

[willie reynolds]

As previously published the EU has agreed to extend the transitional period for the new Animal Health Regulations until October 2021. This news was taken as a positive step towards achieving Channel racing with the understanding that we would be able to move pigeons into the EU on the same basis as we have for decades. However, during the transitional period, EU member states are permitted to apply their own national rules and this is where we currently have an issue. The French position is that an Animal Health certificate remains a requirement. The requirements of the Health certificate include but are not limited to: 1. The loft being under the surveillance of an approved Veterinarian who would sign the Health Certificate that in turn requires points 2 and 3 below. 2. Prior to movement the pigeons could not take part in any races for a period of 30 days prior to being moved into France 3. The pigeons/ each Loft would have to supply evidence of a negative test for Paramyxo and Newcastle Disease carried out by an approved laboratory at least 7 days in advance being transported. What is being done? Discussions are ongoing. The RPRA is working with the appropriate UK Authorities, APPG, a supportive French Senator, the FCF and FCI to lobby the French Authorities. These discussions are based on the low risk pigeons pose to the spread of the two diseases at the centre of the health certification requirements; Newcastle disease and Avian Influenza. The aim is to remove the requirements of the Health certificate and proceed on the same basis as we have for decades. As a contingency we are also exploring the rules associated with moving pigeons into Belgium, Holland and Germany. It may prove possible to move pigeons into these countries without the Health Certificate. If this proved positive we would at least provide an opportunity for cross channel racing from these Countries. Why hasn't the RPRA previously explored the possibility of Racing from other European Countries ? Because until the EU applied the transitional period mentioned above such actions would not have been possible. Next Update We will provide the next update as soon as we have any information or by next Friday at the latest. Ian Evans CEO

[willie reynolds]

The situation regarding channel racing has not changed since our announcement on 21st May. We will continue to work with those bodies and individuals outlined in last weeks update. As soon as we have any news we will provide an update immediately. Ian Evans CEO