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INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN
WILD BIRDS, AND
RELATED BIRD MOVEMENTS,
IN LATIN AMERICA
AND THE CARIBBEAN
FAO Animal Production and Health Manual
No. 166
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(348 kb - 44 pp.) |
This report summarizes the results of a consultancy on market trade in live wild birds
and related bird movements, in line with four FAO projects on Emergency Assistance
for Early Detection and Prevention of Avian Influenza in 33 countries of the Caribbean,
Central America, Andean and South Cone subregions. The survey aimed to assess the
magnitude and dynamics of trade in wild birds, and the conditions under which local
regulations are enforced. Each country participating in the projects received a survey
form and instructions in its official language; statistics on international trade in wild
birds were also analysed. Of the 33 countries consulted, 27 replied. The information
gathered was compiled in a trade database, allowing the role of each country and
region to be evaluated. Only four countries provided statistics, but it was possible to
evaluate the trade volumes and dynamics of other countries using statistics from the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) trade database.
Of the 33 countries, Mexico is the main importer of wild birds originating in Africa,
Latin America and the Caribbean. Argentina, Guyana and Suriname are the main
exporters, followed by Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. In the recent
past, most native bird exports from these countries were exported to Europe. However,
formal operations have been drastically reduced since the European Union (EU)
imposed a ban on wild bird imports, resulting in closure of this important market. At
present, legal trade is directed mainly to Mexico, followed by Asia and Africa. Mexico
absorbs most wild bird imports from both within the region and elsewhere, and is not
an active wild bird re-exporter, implying no further movements of exotic birds within
the subregions covered by the survey.
The majority of countries declared taking precautionary measures by preventing
the import of birds originating from countries in which avian influenza (AI) has been
reported. Although most countries have animal health regulations and procedures in
place, not all of them have specific guidelines for the early detection and control of
AI, and not all require animal health documentation as a condition for trade. Owing
to low trade volumes, many countries do not apply quarantine of imported birds, but
quarantine is required in countries where sanitary measures are strict. Most countries
consider that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) entry is low or medium.
In spite of this, countries expressed particular concern about the consequences of
illegal trade and migratory birds on the dispersal of AI.
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do
not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any
country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its
frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers,
whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or
recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.
The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not
necessarily reflect the views of FAO.
E-ISBN 978-92-5-106216-6
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© FAO 2011
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