Bird flu fear puts an end to club show (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bird flu fear puts an end to club show

THE Government's fears about bird flu have meant that a bird show planned today in Swindon has been cancelled.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ordered this week that all shows, markets, fairs and other events where birds are brought together would have to be cancelled.

As reported in the late edition of yesterday's Advertiser, this has meant that Swindon Caged Bird Society has cancelled its annual open event, which was due to take place in the Even Swindon community hall in Jennings Street, Rodbourne, this afternoon.

Chairman Ron Denham, of Coleview, says his members, who only learned about the ruling yesterday, feel the ban on bird shows is harsh.

Mr Denham said: "It's definitely over the top. It's a great pity and it's quite a problem because we now have to let everyone know.

"It's not our doing it's a total ban across the country on all bird shows. We are quite annoyed because we had to phone Defra ourselves to find out what was going on and get confirmation."

Mr Denham said people due to come to the show all take pride in breeding the birds themselves, so there was little chance of any being brought in overseas.

Defra's ruling comes after the European Commission decreed that measures needed to be taken.

Anyone wishing to put on a show now needs a special licence. To find out more call the Defra helpline on 08459 335577