UAE | Health
Birds for hunting show to be tested for avian flu
All falcons and other birds entering the country for the forthcoming Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex 2006) will be examined and tested for bird flu virus, organisers promised yesterday.
- By Nissar Hoath, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 June 15, 2006
Abu Dhabi: All falcons and other birds entering the country for the forthcoming Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex 2006) will be examined and tested for bird flu virus, organisers promised yesterday.
Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazroui, Chairman of Adihex Organising Committee and board member of the Emirates Falconers Club, the main organisers, said all participating birds will be allowed in only after obtaining a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites) certificate. They will also undergo medical tests for avian flu virus and other diseases.
"None of the falcons brought for the exhibition will be wild. All these birds are captive and well protected from any kind of disease. We will make sure that all these birds have Cites and other medical certificates as part of the country's preventive measures to keep the avian flu virus away," Al Mazroui said.
The official outlined the various events marked for the twin annual exhibition to be held from September 11 to 15 at Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre.
The events include camel and horse auctions, traditional Arab poetry nights, Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest and other competitions and raffle draws.
In addition to Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, another competition will be introduced this year the best-equipped vehicle for hunting trips.
Al Mazroui said the annual event under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Emirates Falconers Club, has made remarkable growth.
"This cultural and social event with a heritage touch has offered a good opportunity to conclude deals, to meet fans of deep-rooted sports, to discuss sustainable hunting and its various methods, and to interchange ideas and information especially that it is considered the biggest and one-of-its-kind event outside the European continent," he added.
He said in the 2005 event, the number of visitors increased 160 per cent and reached 65,000, placing Adihex on top of the hunting exhibitions in the world. Deals with a total value of about Dh800 million were concluded last year.
This year, more than 400 companies from more than 35 countries are expected to participate.
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