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Horse Flavivirus Survey Report 2011 (PDF 517.4 KB) or Accessible version (Word 836.5 KB)

SA Apiaries Program Review Report

Pigeon Paramyxovirus - Information and Advice

Avian Paramyxovirus - Media Release (14 September 2011)

Biosecurity Fee proposal

Hendra Virus information

Horse Neuro Disease - 30 May Update

Map – horses and Ross River Virus results - 5 May

Acid Drainage Issue - Media Release

Livestock and Exposure to Acid Drainage Water - FAQ

National Sheep Health Statement

NLIS Cattle

NLIS Sheep & Goats

Property Identification Code (PIC) application

Branding

Reporting Unusual Symptoms

SCAHLS (Sub-Committee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards)

Current Issues

Mob Based Movement

Horse Biosecurity Glovebox Guide (pdf)

Animal Health Australia

Situation Update - 16 February 2012

1. Situation to date

  • The South Australian pigeon flock still remains free of pigeon Paramyxovirus disease (PMV1).
  • There have been several investigations into pigeon and other bird mortality events but no cases of PMV1 have been found in wild or feral birds in SA.
  • The disease continues to spread in feral pigeons in Victoria apparently so far just in the Melbourne region.
  • PMV1 has also been detected in Victoria in single cases of a native raptor (collared sparrow hawk) and a spotted turtle dove.
  • There have been no detections in Victoria of this disease in commercial or backyard poultry flocks.
  • Victoria currently has 71 PMV1 infected pigeon properties, with one new property in the last week.
  • The voluntary ban on pigeon racing and shows remains in place in South Australia until there is more news on an effective pigeon vaccine in Australia.
  • At this stage there is no date for the importation of an overseas pigeon PMV1 vaccine.
  • Nationally there has been increased investigation into the effectiveness of the available chicken Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccines in pigeons, looking at overseas experience. The Victorian DPI has some information relating to ND vaccine for pigeons at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-andweeds/animal-diseases/vetsource/pigeon-paramyxovirus-information-forveterinarians/vaccination-of-pigeons-for-avian-paramyxovirus.
  • Efforts are underway to see if a trial on ND vaccination of pigeons can be conducted in Australia but this will take some months to complete.

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, through the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD), made up of state and territory Chief Veterinary Officers, has supported the importation of a killed vaccine from overseas. The process for any vaccine import now rests with pharmaceutical companies making application to DAFF to import the vaccine.
  • 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 requiring CVO approval.
  • 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.
  • BSA has investigated current options for vaccinating pigeons. 
  • Movement restrictions and biosecurity measures remain the primary means for controlling this disease until any pigeon vaccine is imported.
  • 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.