Guidelines for the importing of pet birds

• For at least 45 days immediately prior to export to Jamaica, the bird should be kept isolated in an approved area and or within the owner’s premises.
• During the period of isolation the bird should be maintained in isolation from all other birds and insect vectors.
• The bird should be examined by an official government veterinarian of the exporting country and found to be free from signs and symptoms of infectious or contagious disease during the isolation period and prior to export to Jamaica.
• The bird must originate from an area free from current infections of Psittacosis, New Castle Disease, West Nile virus infection and Avian Influenza.
• The bird should not be listed as an endangered Wild Life Species (CITES).
• The bird should be adequately identified.
• The bird must have laboratory viral profiles indicating the absence of Avian Influenza viruses.
• The permit shall apply only to 'pet bird(s)', i.e. personally owned and cared for bird(s) regarded as 'caged bird(s)' (e.g. Love birds, Finches & canaries).
• Owners/operators of commercial broiler/layer farms shall not import these birds on to such premises.
• The bird shall not be shipped unaccompanied, but most accompany the owner or his/her agent.
• The bird should not have been purchased from markets, auctions, shows, etc.