Testing Times
Well the DEFRA decision to enable us to race from the continent has caused both us and you some problems. Firstly, the lateness of the decision has meant that there are not a lot of ferry berths available and especially at the times and locations that you would usually require. We have therefore had to be quite radical about when organisations can go. It has transpired that often there have been no alternatives so organisations will have to fit in with what we can book rather than be picky. This means that several club secretaries will receive calls from Linda Smith or Donna Rees in Racing Support to tell them when they can go to France. It’s either that or you’ll have to swim!! While ferry berths are so hard to come by we also need secretaries and convoyers support and co-operation. Often organisations will book a longer lorry than they need or book 2 vehicles just in case. Truckline have been excellent over the years in understanding that often we do not know how many pigeons will be marked and so vehicle details may change. But that is when we need assistance from you. If you do indeed take a different vehicle from the one booked (or only one) then you must phone ahead to Truckline to advise them of the change of details on the out of hours portside telephone provided. We have recently had a case where a second vehicle was not cancelled and that left Truckline with a spare berth they could have filled. I regret to advise that should this happen again then the organisation/convoyer concerned will be billed for the extra space. It is only because of our outstanding relationship that we have with Truckline that we are able to have this dispensation but Truckline has now tightened up as they cannot be expected to sail with empty berths and lose money.
This 7 day isolation
We have taken many calls and e mails about the licence condition regarding the 7 day isolation period. The licence condition is simple. If you race from the continent then any bird arriving back at the loft within 48 hours of the release must be isolated for a minimum of 7 days from return to the loft, not 7 days from the basketing. This period increases to a minimum of 3 weeks if the pigeon is delayed beyond the 48 hours from release. So, in a nutshell, at the very least, you cannot race the same bird the following week if you have raced from the continent. As has been remarked it is down to the individual to be honest and above board on this and club officials should not be put in the position of having to accept birds otherwise. DEFRA has advised that if there is any breach of the licence conditions, by individuals or organisations, they would invoke the enforcement provisions of section 75 of the Animal Health Act 1981. This means that on conviction, the punishment for each offence would be either a fine of up to £5,000 or imprisonment for up to three months. Nuff said!
Liberation Site Problems
It is very important that if convoyers have a problem at a site then this is reported to the RPRA as a matter of urgency on return. The same goes for French sites. We are aware that Lessay had a problem of cleanliness of toilets and also a rusted stopcock when water was needed. Please remember that every French permit has the contact details of the site Agent and he/she can be contacted for assistance if you need it in France.
Post 31st July Racing
I have been in contact with DEFRA with regards to racing post 31st July. The current licence only takes us up to the end of July but I have advised DEFRA that we do need to know well in advance of mid July what is happening. It is unlikely that there will be any request for YB racing from the continent in August but we will have to see what September brings as there are a few planned races from there.
Paramyxovirus Outbreaks
The report of the Chief Veterinary Officer of DEFRA has just been published which contains the latest (2005) paramyxovirus figures for pigeons. There were 23 reported outbreaks in all, 20 in England and 3 in Scotland. Five cases were reported in Manchester, 2 each in Cleveland, Hampshire, Surrey and West Yorkshire and one each in Berks, Bucks, Kent, North Yorkshire, Oxon, Borders, Lothian and Strathclyde. These figures show some stability with 23 cases in 2004 and 34 in 2003.
RPRA One Loft Race
The pigeons at the RPRA One Loft Race have started their training now so you will soon be able to follow their progress on the website. New for this year is a webcam so you can see what is happening at the loft. If you follow the guide on www.rpra1loftrace.co.uk news page you’ll see how you can connect to the site. Pooling sheets are in the post for entrants which mean that those Hot Sport races are getting very near. I am very pleased to advise that Alan Tullett has once again sponsored the trophies. Thanks Alan, it’s a smashing gesture. Plans are well in hand too for the Final Race beano, with a BBQ and bar. More details will follow in due course.
Of on my Hols
By the time you read this I will be packing to go off on my summer holiday. Ironically I’m going 400 miles into France this year, just south of Bordeaux. I have asked the President if that means I have to be isolated for 7 days on my return, paid leave of course, but he’s said ‘No’, the old meany.
Peter Bryant
General Manager
The Royal Pigeon Racing Association
