Author: David Parsons

I would recommend that you telephone the Rural Payments Agency of Defra and tell them you have a CPH number and want to let them know you will be racing across the Channel. I would be surprised if they give you a new number.

This is the number to ring 03000 200 301 and select Rural Payments Agency.

NEW INFORMATION 19/03/2026

A CPH (County Parish Holding) number with the final four digits beginning with a 9 (e.g. 12/345/9xxx) are valid for keeping under 50 birds. Racing pigeons however it is only valid for racing within GB. It is not valid for racing to the EU or Northern Ireland.

A CPH with the final four digits beginning with an 8 (e.g. 12/345/8xx) is valid for racing pigeons across the channel from the EU and Northern Ireland.

Are Virtual Loft Visits permissible for Cross Channel Racing?

Answer: NO

If the fancier has had a virtual loft visit will he or she be able to race across the Channel?

Answer: NO

Comment: I have checked with my governing body and my insurers.

I have been told that should I complete the Export Health Certificate and one or more fanciers have had a virtual and not in person loft visit then this constitutes false certification.

The result would be that at the very least my Official Veterinary Surgeon status would be removed and at worst I would be struck off the Veterinary Register.

Result:

1. I now need confirmation that all fanciers entering a race have had an in person loft visit.
2. Having to check whether fanciers have or have not had virtual visits will make more work for those organisations that race across the Channel.
3. Any fancier who has had a virtual visit will be refused entry into the race.
4. Each organisation will now have to supply me with the names of the veterinary practices doing loft visits for their members.

Action: I will be requesting a statement from each veterinary surgeon or practice that undertakes loft visits confirming that all have been done in person.

Only Colombovac PMV and Nobilis Paramyxo P201 are licensed for use for pigeons racing in the UK or across the Channel.

Could I please remind all fanciers who wish to race across the Channel this coming season and purchase this vaccine at the Show of The Year to ask for a receipt for the purchase of the vaccine.

This receipt should have the sellers name and address, a unique reference number, date of purchase, name and address of fancier making the purchase, brand of vaccine and number of doses purchased and the batch number and expiry date of the vaccine.

The fancier will need to make it clear at the time of purchase that they will be racing across the Channel.

Proof of vaccine purchase has been a requirement for 3 years now. I do not know for how much longer APHA will accept that proof of purchase is not available because the vaccine was bought at the Show.

The majority of lofts that I have visited have been complying with the duty of care specified in this Act long before the Act came into being.

Changes in legislation will continue to occur and we may not necessarily be aware of the changes. These usually, reflect changes in what is currently acceptable as opposed to historical practice.

The Act does not take into account changes in personal circumstances. Please help those who may be struggling for whatever reason.

Under the Act, owners and keepers have a duty of care to their animals and must make sure they meet their needs:

• for a suitable environment and place to live
• for a suitable diet
• to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
• to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
• to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

The Act prohibits animal cruelty which includes:

• causing unnecessary suffering to an animal
• mutilation
• poisoning an animal

Anyone who does not comply with the Act may:

• be banned from owning animals
• face an unlimited fine
• be sent to prison for up to 5 years