Ban on moving pigeons in NSW lifted

Restrictions on the movement of pigeons in NSW are being lifted from Monday 13 August, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Sally Spence said.

“The movement restrictions were introduced to give pigeon owners time to double vaccinate their flocks following the detection of Pigeon paramyxovirus in hobby pigeon flocks in Western Sydney earlier this year,” Dr Spence said.

“Commercial producers, hobbyists and backyard pigeon owners have now had that time and the vast majority have vaccinated their birds.

“It is appropriate that we lift the ban now and allow pigeon owners to resume normal activities.”

Dr Spence said pigeon owners had responded positively to vaccinating their birds with over 625 permits issued to allow these vaccinations to occur.

“In the Sydney area, where the disease occurred, our information is that nearly 100 per cent of the racing pigeons have been vaccinated and a large number of the fancy pigeons.”

NSW DPI avian technical specialist Dr George Arzey advises pigeon owners throughout NSW to continue to vaccinate young birds and give annual boosters to their birds.

He said that many clubs are now requiring vaccination as a condition to participate in pigeon races and other events.

“It is important that fanciers remain vigilant and strengthen biosecurity measures if they haven’t already done so - to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus,” Dr Arzey said.

Priority biosecurity measures include:

• Maintaining effective vaccination program
• Avoiding contact between domestic pigeons and feral pigeons
• Limiting visitors to your pigeons
• Isolating new birds for at least 4 weeks

Pigeon paramyxovirus remains a notifiable emergency animal disease. If you suspect that your birds may have Paramyxovirus seek veterinary advice or notify the DPI or the Livestock Health and Pest Authority if signs are suggestive of Pigeon paramyxovirus.

An Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline (1800 675 888) is also available.

According to Dr Arzey, the first signs of pigeon paramyxovirus are usually reluctance to fly, increased thirst, runny droppings and loss of appetite.

In Victoria pigeon paramyxovirus caused neurological symptoms such as trembling of the wings and head, tumbling on landing, partial paralysis of the wings and legs and head flicking.

Respiratory signs like eye discharge, cough and nasal discharge were also reported with pigeon paramyxovirus outside NSW.

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