EU keeps racing pigeons tethered as bird flu ruffles feathers

Euronews

6 days ago

The European Commission has clarified that it's not planning to loosen animal health rules for pigeons soon, despite calls from lawmakers and pigeon fanciers to go easier on the birds.
Liberal MEP Hilde Vautmans, from Belgium – where pigeon racing is very popular – asked the Commission in a written parliamentary question whether it would revise EU rules along species specific lines, which might benefit pigeons.
She argued that scientific evidence shows racing pigeons are not the main culprits when it comes to spreading highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), and yet they're treated as if they might be plotting to spread a bird flu pandemic.
Under current EU law, pigeons are regulated in the same way as other captive birds such as poultry and parrots. This means pigeon keepers must follow strict biosecurity measures, including disinfected perches, limited outdoor freedom, and loft lockdowns—redolent of restrictions placed on humans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By contrast, wild birds are left free since they are not under human control, despite the fact that they also carry avian flu.
Vautmans argues that's unfair. She says the law doesn't reflect the reality that not all birds are equal in their disease-spreading risks. And while bird flu is now worryingly common in wild species, the science still points to pigeons being relatively low-risk.
In his response on Tuesday, animal welfare Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi didn't slam the loft door shut on future changes but made it clear that rule tweaks need solid data and can't risk the broader animal health system.
The Commissioner also pointed to growing scientific concerns. 'Recent literature indicates that HPAI viruses may circulate in pigeons at an underestimated intensity, and they could act as an interspecies bridge in the ecology of virus transmission,' he wrote.
So for now, the rules stay put, with changes to the EU rules could be considered, but only if backed by robust scientific evidence and without compromising animal health across the EU.
Vautmans also requested specific exemptions for pigeon racing, a practice the sector claims poses minimal risk of disease spread and which it wants recognised for its genetic and cultural significance.
Racing pigeons are elite athletes of the bird world, bred over generations for speed, stamina, and GPS-like homing skills.
Races see them taken far from home and timed on how fast they can fly back. It's like the Tour de France, but with feathers and fewer spandex shorts.
The Commissioner, however, pointed out that racing pigeons already enjoy a few perks.
They can cross EU borders without a veterinary passport and even enter from third countries, provided they don't loiter and are released to fly home immediately. Member states can also grant further exemptions during outbreaks, if they deem it safe.
In short, the Commission believes the current setup gives racing pigeons enough wiggle room, and it is not planning any new exemptions.
So while pigeon racers may feel cooped up under current rules, the EU isn't budging yet. Until the science says otherwise, it's safety first, even if that means keeping some very fast birds on a short leash.