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Pigeon Paramyxovirus - advice to ALL bird owners

Biosecurity Advice for all bird owners - Pigeon Paramyxovirus

The new strain of Paramyxovirus has currently been confirmed only in pigeons in Victoria however a wide range of avian species can potentially be infected with the virus. All bird owners should take the below actions to help prevent possible infection of their birds.

  1. Keep your equipment and poultry yard or aviary clean

    • Remove litter, sand and grit from the aviary between batches of birds, and every few months for resident birds

    • Thoroughly clean concrete floors, walls and aviary wire with soapy water, and disinfect as needed

    • Clean and disinfect feed and water containers regularly; and

    • Don't share equipment with other birdkeepers unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

  2. Avoid contact between your birds and wild birds

    • Prevent contact with wild birds by restricting access to open ponds, lakes and creeks - protective netting can also help prevent wild birds from entering domestic bird areas
    • Clean up surrounding areas to reduce shelter and hiding places for wild birds; and
    • Sick, injured or lost pigeons that arrive at your place should be kept separate from your own birds. Ensure good hygiene to prevent any possible transmission of disease.

  3. Don’t let feed and water become contaminated by faeces or other animal waste

    • Ensure water supplied to poultry is from a chlorinated mains water supply, a microbiologically clean bore, or treated with chlorine if these sources aren't available; and
    • Don't allow wild birds or pest animals to contaminate your birds' feed - store it in a container with a secure lid.

  4. If you go to shows practise good hygiene

    • See the information below for bird show participants.

  5. Limit visitors to your birds

    • Restrict access to bird areas
    • Ask visitors to put on clean protective clothing and use foot-baths containing appropriate disinfectants at the entrance to bird areas or sheds; and
    • Keep a record of visitors (a guest book).

  6. Quarantine new birds

    • Separate and monitor new birds for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing flock
    • Always source your birds from a reputable producer or breeder whose bird health status is known
    • Always buy healthy looking birds and avoid buying from markets; and
    • Feed and clean quarantined birds after you have tended to other birds.

  7. Know the signs of paramyxovirus infection

    • In pigeons:

      • lethargy,
      • not wanting to fly
      • vomiting white tinged fluid
      • circling or head flicking; and
      • sudden death (up to 75% of birds with paramyxovirus are dead within 3 days)

    • Signs in other bird species:

      • Signs may vary greatly in different species from no clinical signs to severe disease with high mortality. Avian paramyxovirus infection predominantly causes respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological signs. These may include some or all of the following symptoms: diarrhoea, gasping, coughing, sneezing, tremors, paralysed wings, twisted necks, circling, spasms, and paralysis. A drop in egg production is also commonly seen.

  8. Immediately report any sick or dead birds

    • If you see any unusual symptoms in your birds, or find that a number of them have died within a short period of time, be on the safe side and report it immediately to your local veterinarian, or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Biosecurity SA may be able to help fund testing to determine a diagnosis.

It is essential that any suspected disease outbreak be reported immediately.