Have to take my birds from U.S. to Italy - HELP!

[EugeneM]

Hello,

I am moving from the U.S. to Italy and need to find out how to get my seven parrots from here to there! I've asked the vet, the airline, the consulate... still, I've gotten no clear picture of what has to be done.

Can anyone help me???

Thanks,
E

[Stacey32]

You need to contact the Italian quarantine to determine if they allow pet birds into the country. don't take the chance of NOT checking!!!!! they can make you return to US or euthanize the birds! don't take any chances. re actually transporing them, I had a good link from a british expat site. i'll try to find it and post it to you.

here is a link that may help: the italy section is copied in below..
http://www.eustis.army.mil/Veterinary/import.htm

ITALY........Back to Country List

Rabies - Vaccination must be administered more than 30 days but less than 12 months prior to entry.

Other Vaccinations - None listed

Health Certificate - Must have origin health certificate (DD Form 2209) and Italian Health Certificate dated within 10 days of departure. Certificate must state that the location of origin has been rabies free for 6 months and should be stamped by a USDA veterinarian. Animals will receive a medical examination at the point of entry.

Embassy:
1601 Fuller St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 328-5500

Vice Italian Consulate:
Law Offices of Brown and Bain
2901 North Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012-2788
Tel: (602) 351-8092

Import Permit - Required and can be obtained through the Italian diplomatic and consular representatives and from the Italian Government Travel Office. Parrots, parakeets, rabbits and hares also require health certificates and are subject to an examination upon entering Italy. This form must be completed by a veterinarian within 30 days of entry. A veterinary certificate must also give the breed, age, sex and color of the pet and the name and address of the owner. Other pets require a permit which can be obtained from the consulate. Dogs must be on a leash at all times when in public. The customs officials can demand an examination of an animal at any time.

Quarantine - See Birds section below.

BIRDS:
Health Certificates must state that the place of origin has been free of psittacosis for at least 1 year. Birds will be quarantined for 30 days at home. Birds owners should maintain origin information for departure from Italy.

BUT DONT' TRUST THE ABOVE UNTIL YOU GET CONFIRMATION FROM A QUARANTINE OFFICIAL IN ITALY....THINGS CHANGE QUICKLY AND THEY MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT POLICY (WITH AVIAN FLU ETC.)