Pigeon Virus
Important Announcement – Ban of all pigeon gatherings in VictoriaThe Minister for Agriculture and Food Security has issued an order prohibiting the holding of shows, exhibitions, markets, sales, auctions, tossing and racing pigeons anywhere in the State of Victoria. The ban should assist the containment of the disease. Loft flying may continue however loft owners should consider carefully the risk to their biosecurity given the extensive amount of PMV1 infection identified in feral pigeons across Melbourne. If owners choose to loft fly and where several lofts are within a small area, owners are encouraged to coordinate their loft flying to minimise the mixing of their birds. Tired or disorientated birds should be prevented from entering other lofts should they land there. This ban has been extended for a further 90 days, due to finish on 25 March 2012. A copy of the Order is available on the DPI website. Consultation with the pigeon industry indicated that support for the continuation the ban was strong. |
A paramyxovirus not previously reported in Australia has been detected in hobby pigeons in the Goulburn Valley, Cobram and in a number of suburbs across Melbourne. The first case probably occurred in mid-August with the virus being identified at the end of that month.
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.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has been undertaking investigations to determine the scale of the outbreak and to identify links between properties.
There is now confirmed paramyxovirus affecting feral pigeon populations in many locations across Melbourne.
To date disease is restricted to both hobby and feral pigeons, and there have been no reported unusual disease events in Australian commercial or backyard poultry flocks.
Virulent strains of paramyxovirus are capable of infecting poultry, however evidence suggests chickens are not susceptible to the specific strain circulating.
Featured
|
Situation update |
|
About the disease |
|
Fact Sheets for bird owners |
|
Guidelines for disinfecting properties |
|
Vaccination |
|
Vetsource |
|
Media Releases |
