I recently attended 39th International Racing Pigeon Fair in Dortmund, Germany. My reason for going was to take part in the FCI Pigeon-Vet-Conference that was held on the Friday.
Here I learnt that the 40th Olympiad could be held in Blackpool. At this time there is no hint of this on either the FCI or RPRA websites.
What an honour this would be especially given that Federation Colombophile Internationale (FCI) was re-established in London in 1948.
An opportunity to remember Guy Barrett, OBE past President of the RPRA and FCI President in 1983.
Great Britain has hosted the Olympiads on three occasions since 1949:
London – 1965
Blackpool – 1977
Blackpool – 1999
Since then there have been some significant changes namely Brexit, Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease. All three are causing problems.
Brexit was very much a problem generated by ourselves. We are now a third country and have to abide by EU or UK rules governing the movement of animals or birds.
Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease are relatively new problems which we have to cope with. For the Dortmund show, any pigeons either being shown or being auctioned had to come with an official veterinary certificate confirming that the pigeons were from flocks (lofts) that were not subject to an animal disease control order due to an infectious disease transmissible to birds in particular Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease. nor is the flock located in a relevant restricted zone.
The certificate is valid for five working days after the date of issue.
This confirmation allowed the movement of pigeons throughout the EU to come to the show.
Our case is completely different. Now, pigeons have to be quarantined before leaving the EU, quarantined on arrival, time at the show, quarantined before they can go back and quarantined when arriving home. On top of that blood tests are required to look for antibodies against Avian Influenza.
I will leave you to guess at the potential costs that have just been added to you exhibiting your pigeons from Belgium or any other EU country.
Would you bother to bring your pigeons?
What would an Olympiad be like if you did not have the best EU fanciers and racing pigeons at the show?
Can anything be done about this? Of course it can. Regulations written by man can be changed but it takes time. I am not sure that a year to 18 months is long enough.
It really depends on how important this is to you, the fancier. The BHW obviously thinks it is important to be part of these Olympiads. Make sure your voice is heard, let the RPRA know what you think.
Do not let this opportunity pass you by.
David Parsons MRCVS
18/02/2026
