Importing/Exporting Pigeons
Article Published: 27 April 2009

The formal letter for the required export documentation was accepted and arrangements were made to have a final inspection of the pigeons on the 07 April with both Bruce from the Australian Quarantine Services and Leanne, the shipping agent.

I received a call out of the blue from the airport authority, checking that the pigeons booked on the flight actually belonged to me and that it was my intention to export them. I confirmed and was informed that I should be expecting another call from the airlines personnel prior to booking in the pigeons for final confirmation.

Back at the “quarantine station”, the pigeons had been well looked after by Steve and Robin, they were in excellent health.

Wade has done an excellent job - the pigeons had been de-wormed, treated for all respiratory ailments and sprayed for all external parasites. They looked in prime condition except for the moulting which still had to be completed.

I have requested Wade to provide us with some info on his pigeons – the Jurians; he indicated that he will oblige with “Sure, no worries, Mate”.

On the day of inspection we met at Robin’s house where Bruce thoroughly examined the pigeons, re-checked the ring numbers against the blood test results’ check sheet, reviewed the compliance documents as required by both the exporting and importing countries and gave the OK.

The required paper work was conducted and handed over to Leanne to submit to the airport authorities. Final arrangements were made for the pick-up of the pigeons the following morning at 07h30. The flight was scheduled to leave at 11h20 and the pigeons had to be booked in by 08h20 – latest.

When we arrived at the quarantine station at 07h15, Leanne was already waiting; Steve was also present, offering his - much appreciated – assistance.

The pigeons were basketed within minutes, the frozen water and a small portion of feed placed in the basket and the basket sealed with the quarantine seal. The lid was further sealed with an additional cable tie as the aluminium quarantine seal protruded out above the lid in a very peculiar way – which raised concerns that the seal may get damaged if the basket was handled in a rough manner.

One of the Jurians’ had last minute thoughts about migrating to Africa and attempted a daring escape. Ronel was on-hand to capture this daring attempt!

Unfortunately for the Jurian, Steve’s hand – eye co-ordination and reflexes at 07h30 in the morning is on par with our cricket hero AB de Villiers’s!! The mealy cock was caught in mid flight before the second photo could be taken and back into the basket he went!

The basket was loaded into Leanne’s car and off to the airport they went.

The required paperwork was forwarded to the airline authority and clear instructions given as to the hand-over of the pigeons and the stack of certificates/authorities.

The pigeons were flown to Cape Town via Johannesburg, they arrived in Cape Town and were picked up by the quarantine officials and placed in the Milnerton Quarantine holding facilities where they will be for the next 30 days.

Arrangements had been made with the officials to provide the required food for the duration of their stay.

Up to this stage things have been going very well and I have to thank everybody concerned – I’ll compile a list in the final article as I may still require more assistance!

I’ll keep you posted.

Regards
Wikus Pretorius