KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Sept 7, CMC – The St. Vincent and the Grenadines government has lifted with “immediate effect” a ban in place since 2011 on the importation of pet birds into the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation said that the ban was instituted as a precautionary measure to prevent the introduction of avian diseases such as Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease.
It said it was also aimed at protecting the small, fragile local poultry sector and prevent illness in the native population of the Amazona Guildingii, the country’s national bird.
“At the time of the ban, the national diagnostic and surveillance capacity was limited; however, recent investments in laboratory testing and regional cooperation have significantly strengthened the country’s ability to manage animal health risks,” the ministry said in a statement.
But it noted that favourable consideration of the removal of the ban was made based on international alignment, as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) Terrestrial Code provides clear guidelines for safe trade in pet birds.
Additionally, the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (WTO SPS) principles discourage blanket bans where risk-based measures are feasible with the ministry also noting that the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping permit controlled importation under certification and quarantine protocols.
“Harmonisation will reduce trade barriers and support regional integration,” the ministry said, noitng that the Veterinary Services Division has trained personnel, diagnostic facilities and emergency response mechanisms to detect and contain avian diseases.
As regards the socio-economic benefits, the ministry said that controlled importation will support responsible pet ownership, stimulate local businesses (pet shops, veterinary services), and facilitate linkages with the diaspora and tourism.
The ministry reminded that persons seeking to import birds will require a veterinary health certificate from the exporting country and that there will also be mandatory quarantine (minimum 28 days) in approved facilities, laboratory testing for avian pathogens before release, and compliance with national biosecurity standards.
CMC/hki/ir/2026