Paramyxovirus (PPMV1) in Pigeons: About the Disease
What is pigeon paramyxovirus?
The outbreak is caused by a pigeon paramyxovirus which is new to Australia. It belongs to a family of viruses that cause a number of diseases in animals and humans, including Newcastle disease, measles, distemper and rinderpest. This strain appears to be highly pigeon specific; evidence suggests that poultry are refractory to infection and do not develop disease.
Affected pigeon flocks have experienced extremely high mortalities (often all pigeons die) associated with lethargy, gastrointestinal and neurological signs. Sick birds are lethargic, not flying, and may vomit a white tinged fluid with death ensuing after three days.
How far has the disease spread?
PPMV1 has been identified mostly in hobby and feral pigeons. Cases have been found primarily around greater Melbourne, with a small number of cases around Shepparton and Cobram.
There have been single cases identified in a collared sparrow hawk and spotted turtle dove. There have been no reported unusual disease events in Australian commercial or backyard poultry flocks.
Does the disease affect other birds?
Paramyxovirus strains are generally capable of affecting other avian (bird) species. Single cases have been identified in a collared sparrow hawk and spotted turtle dove.
Are my poultry at risk of Newcastle disease?
Virulent strains of paramyxovirus are capable of infecting poultry, however evidence suggests chickens are not susceptible to the specific strain circulating. There is no evidence that this disease has spread to poultry. Chickens exposed in the field have not developed disease. Furthermore experimentally infected chickens have remained healthy and did not show any signs of disease.
Regardless, poultry farmers are strongly advised to limit contact with pigeons and wild birds, both directly and indirectly, by avoiding contamination of poultry feed by bird waste.
If this paramyxovirus were to appear in poultry, it would be Newcastle disease. Commercial poultry flocks over 1,000 birds in Victoria are vaccinated against Newcastle disease. Newcastle Disease vaccination protects poultry against a wide range of strains of the virus.
Owners of backyard poultry are unlikely to have sourced vaccinated birds, and are not permitted to access vaccine, so are advised to follow the biosecurity advice.
Does the disease affect humans?
Human infection with this type of virus has occurred in the past but is extremely rare and usually occurs only in people who have close direct contact with infected birds. The virus causes only mild, short-term conjunctivitis or influenza-like symptoms in humans.
Are my other pets at risk?
There is no threat to dogs, cats and other non-avian species that come into contact with infected pigeons.
Who should I contact if I suspect a problem or see dead pigeons?
It is important that bird owners report any groups of sick or dead birds to their local veterinarian or to the Department of Primary Industries on the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
By law, flocks suspected or known to be infected with PPMV1 must be kept isolated from other birds. In lofts where PPMV1 is suspected there must be no movements of birds on or off the property while there is evidence of clinical disease or deaths in pigeons. Loft flying should also cease during this time.
How do I protect my birds?
Owners of birds can minimise the risk of introducing disease by implementing good biosecurity measures, including preventing contact with other racing, fancy and feral pigeons, both directly and indirectly, for example via dirty clothing or footwear and feed and water.
All owners of domestic pigeons should consider the ‘off label’ use of a poultry Newcastles disease vaccine in consultation with their veterinarian.
Owners of commercial poultry flocks should ensure Newcastle disease vaccinations are up to date and workers should be discouraged from keeping poultry, fancy birds or pet birds, including pigeons.
It is important that bird owners report any groups of sick or dead birds to their local veterinarian or to the Department of Primary Industries on the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Guidelines on isolation and disinfection for pigeon paramyxovirus
