The government announced that the hunting season of quails and turtle doves, which opens on 25th March and ends on 22nd May will not be suspended.
In a press release, the Health Ministry and Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry explained that this decision was taken in view of the fact that the European Union encouraged member states not to enforce any unilateral measures to prevent the risk of the spreading of the lethal H5N1 strain of bird flu.
The EU’s position on this matter has been reaffirmed last week by Commissioner Markos Kyprianou. He stated, The European Commission has no intention whatsoever to recommend increased culling of wild birds in order to combat the current Avian flu crisis but has no intention either to advocate a general ban on bird hunting”.
Up till now, no cases of bird flu were reported in Malta. The government enforced all the necessary directives issued by the European Commission. The ministries explained that the Scientific Committee has not yet issued a directive stipulating the suspension of the upcoming spring hunting and there is no scientific proof that the hunting of quail and turtle dove poses a risk.
The Maltese authorities are to continue with its regular and intensive programme of supervision and surveillance.
Meanwhile, The Times of Malta reported that the government carried out a study to assess the risk of the virus in Malta. The study focuses on public and animal health and hunting. A government spokesperson told the local newspaper that the animals kept as pets are still safe and poultry are safe to eat too.
The spokesman however refused to disclose the conclusions of the assessment, saying that the government held discussions with the Federation for Hunting and Conservation.
The newspaper also reported that this year several persons have been caught hunting illegally by the police.
See also:
Preventive measures enforced against bird flu virus
By Giselle Borg Olivier - Feb 16, 2006, 18:28 CET
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