Tens of thousands of exotic birds are illegally smuggled into Britain every year provoking fears that this black market import could provide a route into the UK for the killer avian flu virus.

The trade takes a heavy toll on the birds. The Environmental Investigation Agency estimates that, for every imported bird that reaches a pet shop, three others die during capture, confinement or transport.

The illegal trade and is cruel, unregulated and could spread disease into our county and our country. We would therefore advise people not to buy exotic birds on the black market.