Trade Facilitation Unit - Companion Birds (Non-CITES)

The Bahamas currently has conditions to allow the importation of Companion Birds (Non- CITES) from various countries. Having conducted an import risk analysis (IRA) that considers quarantine risks that may be associated with the importation to The Bahamas of Companion Birds (non-CITES) from any country, the IRA recommends that the importation of Companion Birds (non-CITES) to The Bahamas could be permitted subject to compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures to manage the quarantine risks of a range of significant diseases to a very low level, in line with WOAH guidelines. The IRA assessed all potential disease agents that may be introduced to The Bahamas via the importation of Companion Birds (non-CITES) and SPS measures. These diseases include Newcastle disease, Fowl typhoid, Pullorum disease, Ornithosis (Psittacosis), High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza, and any other exotic Avian diseases.

Based on this risk assessment The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) has developed conditions of import for Companion Birds (non-CITES) consignments. They are outlined below. All consignments of Companion Birds (non-CITES) must:

1. Meet the import conditions for Companion Birds (non-CITES) in Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Conditions for importation of Companion Birds (non- CITES)

1. If a country, zone, or compartment wishes to export: a. Companion Birds (non-CITES),
   1. an international veterinary certificate (within twenty-four (24) hours of exportation) is required and must attest that the bird(s) comprising of the shipment are in good health and:
      
      1. is/are free from, and have not been exposed to:
         1. Newcastle disease
         2. Fowl typhoid
         3. Pullorum disease
         4. Ornithosis (Psittacosis)
         5. High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza any other exotic Avian diseases
   2. the bird(s) must be shipped in a new container(s).
      
   3. the shipment must be inspected by a BAHFSA Veterinary Officer/Authorized Officer at the Port of Entry in The Bahamas.
   4. a confirmed outbreak of Newcastle disease, Fowl typhoid, Pullorum disease, Ornithosis (Psittacosis), High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza, and/or any other exotic Avian disease within seventy-five (75) mile radius of the point of origin of the birds or any significant epidemiological linkage, shall invalidate approved import permits.