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Situation Report for Industry 25 October 2011
1. Situation to date
- Victoria currently has 29 infected properties. There have been 44 properties confirmed as infected to date. 15 have been resolved and are now disease free.
- The last infected property was confirmed on the 10 October – a property in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne
- Paramyxovirus (PMV -1) has now been confirmed in feral pigeons in Victoria in five locations around Melbourne.
- The outbreak appears to be waning; however the finding in feral pigeons may have a significant impact on the ability to eradicate the virus.
- There has not been any detection of the virus outside Victoria and the South Australian pigeon flock remains free of this disease.
- There have been no detections of disease in Australian commercial or backyard poultry flocks.
- Pigeon racing and shows have been cancelled in South Australia until further notice
- The pigeon breeding season is underway and there is expected to be considerable movement of birds interstate in the next two months
- Australian Air Express announced today that they will lift their ban on moving pigeons and doves. Introduction of pigeons into South Australia requires a permit
2. Actions taken in South Australia
- It is prohibited for pigeons to be brought into South Australia from interstate without prior approval from the Chief Inspector of Stock. Significant penalties apply.
- The Livestock Act of 1997 has been amended to list virulent avian paramyxovirus as a notifiable exotic disease. This means that pigeon and poultry owners and producers, as well as veterinarians are under obligation to report any signs of the disease in their flocks.
- Biosecurity SA is working with industry to minimise the likelihood of introducing pigeon paramyxovirus into SA pigeon flocks.
- Industry supports the continuing voluntary ban of exhibitions, shows and races (including tossing) of pigeons. Loft flying is supported as this is a low risk activity
- Anyone wishing to race or show birds should contact their industry body for advice.
- Interstate movements from non-infected state and territories are allowed under permit. Permit application forms are available for download (PDF 177.1 KB)
- Introductions from infected states i.e. Victoria will not be allowed except under exceptional circumstances.
- Information has been provided to veterinarians, industry and the public about the incident, to increase awareness and provide information about what to look out for, who to contact and measures that can be undertaken to limit the risk to their birds.
- Biosecurity SA has investigated options for vaccinating pigeons.
- Movement restrictions and biosecurity measures remain the primary means for controlling this disease
- To assist pigeon owners mitigate the risks, Biosecurity SA is promoting good biosecurity practices and movement limitation. A biosecurity factsheet for bird owners has been distributed and is available on the PIRSA website – see Biosecurity for Bird Owners
- Suspected cases of paramyxovirus infection should be reported to Biosecurity SA by phoning 1800 675 888.
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecuritysa/animalhealth/animal_health/pigeon_paramyxovirus/situation_report_for_industry_25_october_2011
- Page Last Modified: November 14, 2011