To IMPORT captive birds into Ireland from another EU country

This page contains information on the health certificate requirements for bird movements into Ireland from other EU countries only.

• Residency Period

Must have been continuously resident on the premises of origin for at least 21 days or since hatching.

The premises of origin must be registered with the competent authority and not under any movement restrictions.

An approved confined establishment is also acceptable.

• Healthy and fit to travel

The whole flock of birds and the birds that are going to travel must be healthy and not show clinical signs nor should there be suspicion of disease in the birds or the overall flock.

Psittacidae (any bird of the parrot family) must be individually identified with a leg ring, injectable transponder (microchip) or tattoo with an individual number.

Other species may be individually identified or can be identified as a group in such a way as to clearly link the travel documents to the birds, e.g. batch numbers on all cages/crates.

• Paramyxovirus-1 (Newcastle Disease (NCD))

All pigeons must be vaccinated against paramyxovirus-1 (Newcastle Disease NCD) in Ireland. This is optional for other bird species.

• Psitticadae (birds of the parrot family) and Psitticosis

These birds must not come from a premises which has had psittacosis in the last 60 days. If the premises has had psittacosis in the last 6 months or if the birds have had contact with birds from other premises with psittacosis there are specific testing requirements. Please see the health certificate on TRACES NT for more details.

• Undergo an examination by a vet within 48 hours of departure

This must be organised in the country of origin.

• Get a health certificate

This must be organised in the country of origin on TRACES NT.

• Be accompanied by original, signed paperwork

Captive birds being traded between EU countries must be accompanied by an Intra Trade Animals Health (ITAHC) Certificate, generated on TRACES NT by an official government veterinarian.

• Welfare

General conditions on the welfare of animals during transport can be found here, and more detailed information can be found at Transport of Live Animals.

• Licensed Transporter

Animals must be commercially transported by an approved Type 2 transporter only. This approval may have been granted in Ireland or in another EU Member State. For details on how to become a registered transporter please see Transport of Live Animals . For list of type 2 transporters approved in Ireland, please see here.