Dateline, 6 Sept: Victorian veterinary authorities are advising that a rare avian paramyxovirus previously unknown in Australia has been detected in hobby pigeons near Shepparton. The virus is believed to be the most likely cause of recent pigeon deaths in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne.

Affected pigeon flocks have experienced high mortality rates after showing signs of lethargy, gastrointestinal, or neurological changes such as circling and head flicking before death.

The Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has begun quarantining affected properties to prevent the spread of the disease to other birds, and is currently investigating to determine possible links between the recently affected properties and to detect other affected properties. There are currently no reported unusual disease events in Australian commercial or backyard poultry flocks, nor in wild birds, and no reports of the virus causing disease in wild birds, but the Australian Wildlife Health Network is monitoring the situation.

The Acting Chief Veterinary Officer of Victoria, Dr. Hugh Millar, has asked all Victorian veterinarians to assist in establishing the possible extent/spread of the disease. If you are a pigeon fancier, or keep a few hobby pigeons, you should immediately check your birds for any unusual signs. If you have recently experienced high death rates in your own birds, or your birds are showing any of the signs above, you should contact Dr Bek at the hospital as soon as possible (5756 2444).

We will arrange to collect samples from affected birds for testing, and liaise with the DPI investigators to establish the cause of any deaths. Owners of potentially diseased pigeons are encouraged to confine the affected flock to the premises pending the findings of any investigation.

Owners of birds can minimise the risk of introducing disease by implementing good biosecurity measures, including preventing contact with other racing, fancy and wild pigeons, both directly and indirectly, for example via feed and water. The disease has so far been detected only in fancy pigeons and does not appear to be affecting racing pigeons at this stage.

This is a rare virus and we want to ensure it does not spread any further. If you keep hobby birds it is vital that you report any unusual signs or symptoms in your flocks.

The national Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease has met twice to discuss the outbreak, which is being managed by Victorian chief veterinary officer, Dr Hugh Millar, and industry and veterinary authorities.

The virus may be transmitted to humans, although this is extremely rare and causes only mild, short-term conjunctivitis or influenza-like symptoms. Australian chief veterinary officer Mark Schipp said, “Human infection with this virus is extremely rare and usually occurs only in people who have close direct contact with infected birds.”

Although there is no real danger to people, owners of hobby pigeons should always use commonsense safety and hygiene procedures when handling birds.