Isolation and Disinfection for Pigeon Paramyxovirus
Guidelines for Owners
These guidelines are for owners of premises where pigeons or doves are suspected or known to have pigeon paramyxovirus (PPMV1). The measures described below aim to minimise the spread of PPMV1.
Bird owners should 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.
Isolation
- 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.
- Isolation will help to reduce the spread of PPMV1 from an infected loft to others. It will also stop unnecessary disease in introduced birds into an infected loft.
- Isolation must continue until 60 days after the last pigeon death or the last new clinical case, whichever is the latest.
Cleaning and Disinfection
- After sickness and deaths have ceased, it is recommended that lofts and cages be cleaned and disinfected.
- To prevent dust spreading the infection during cleaning, saturate all surfaces with water containing soap or detergent (using the manufacturer’s recommendations for heavy soiled conditions) and allow soaking for at least 15 minutes. (Dishwashing liquid or truck-wash detergent is suitable).
- Remove all litter from the aviaries or cages and dispose of it, eg by burial or composting under black plastic for 30 days (ensure plastic is well secured and ideally in an area exposed to sunlight).
- Wash down all surfaces of walls, ceilings, floors, feeders, drinkers and nesting boxes etc with water (preferably with high pressure and hot water) until they are visibly clean and free of manure and feathers etc. Allow to dry.
- Disinfect all surfaces again with water containing soap or detergent (using the manufacturer’s recommendations) and leave (allow contact time of at least 15 minutes again). Disinfectants as recommended by your veterinary adviser are also suitable.
- Wait at least 60 days before introducing new birds.
- Sentinel birds: It may be sensible to only introduce low-value birds at first. Observe them for two weeks and if they remain healthy, then you should be able to safely introduce more valuable birds.
Notes:
- Use gloves and protective glasses when using a high pressure washer or mixing chemicals.
- Use a dust mask if handling litter.
- It is important to consider the welfare of your birds. If you have sick birds please contact your local vet or if the birds are too sick to survive, please humanely destroy them.
- Carcases of dead birds can be disposed of by burial or placing inside one garbage bag then inside another (‘doubled bagged’) and put in your council bin.
