This page attempts to organise information collected by pigeon federation leadership groups. If you have
any
new information related to Pigeon Paramyxovirus or PPMV1 activity regarding your fed, then send an
email
to mick@pigeonrace.net.
Pigeon PMV Vaccination Demonstration
9th Sept 2012
A short video from an Australian aspect, demonstrating the Paramyxovirus Vaccination process for Pigeons.
Restrictions Lifted
13th August 2012
Email update from Dr George Arzey
Movement restrictions on domestic pigeons in NSW have been lifted (meaning - normal activities can be
resumed).
Restrictions on the introduction of pigeons from Victoria into NSW are no longer in place.
Queensland's restrictions are still in place on the movements of pigeons (and equipment)
from NSW.
All infected pigeon premises that have been placed in Quarantine in NSW are to remain in Quarantine for a
period of 40 days from the date the notice was issued to each owner.
No outbreaks of PPMV1 have been reported in NSW since 17/7/2012.
No wild pigeons or any other wild birds have been reported with PPMV1 in NSW.
Six hundreds and thirty vaccination permits for pigeons have been issued in NSW ( It is also likely that a
significant number of fanciers and flyers vaccinated without a permit).
In the affected area of NSW -Sydney, almost all racing lofts have been vaccinated with double dose of
inactivated NDV vaccine.
Lofts that started the vaccination program are being urged to complete it and also to ensure annual booster.
At this stage, data on the duration of immunity following the double vaccination with chicken inactivated
vaccines is not available but overseas the recommendation (when a pigeon vaccine is used) is to apply an
annual booster. Immunity may or may not last 12 months or more.
Why to take a risk that protection maybe insufficient after 12 months?
I understand that the evaluation for registration of a pigeon specific inactivated vaccine is progressing.
I will keep you informed of further development but meanwhile I would like to express my appreciation of the
good will and assistance from individuals and clubs/federations. The PPMV1 saga that started in August 2011
in Victoria has inflicted significant pain on individuals and on the pigeon sector. I hope that the adoption
of widespread vaccination and commonsense biosecurity measures will put an end to this saga.
20th July 2012
Email update from Dr George Arzey
The number of confirmed cases between May and 20/7/12 remains 9.
Since 17/7 there hasn't been any new suspect/confirmed case of PPMV1 in NSW
PPMV1 has not been detected in feral pigeons in any area of NSW.
The long incubation period makes it impossible to predict the rate of outbreaks in the next few weeks but
also the bulk of vaccination started in the Sydney are in early July and perhaps the vaccine is mitigating
the clinical expression on some already infected lofts or perhaps this is the calm before the storm?
The introduction from NSW to Queensland of all pigeons, pigeon eggs and fittings used with pigeons is
restricted, just as is introduction from Victoria.
Movements to Qld are permitted only under a licence issued by a Biosecurity Queensland inspector.
18th July 2012
Qld imposes Movement Restriction on NSW
Please be advised that the introduction from NSW to Queensland of all pigeons, pigeon eggs and fittings used
with
pigeons is restricted, just as is introduction from Victoria. It is permitted only under a licence
issued by
a Biosecurity Queensland inspector.
17th July 2012
Email update from Dr George Arzey
2 more PPMV1 cases have been confirmed in Sydney - a racing pigeon loft and the second, a Donek loft in SW
Sydney.
This brings the number of confirmed cases between May and 17/7/12 to 9.
Vaccination is progressing at a healthy pace.
Stock of Inactivated vaccine is available, at least from one of the manufacturers.
Stock birds on some of the affected lofts are now starting to show clinical signs.
13th July 2012
Another PPMV1 case has been confirmed today in Sydney in racing pigeons.
This brings the number of confirmed cases between May and 12/7/12 to eight.
The last case also participated in the Mudgee Race on the 16/6
Two more suspect lofts are being investigated (1/2 -Donek birds in South West Sydney).
Some stock birds are starting so show clinical signs on at least 2 of the affected lofts..
12th July 2012
Another PPMV1 case confirmed in Sydney racing pigeons
This brings the number of confirmed cases between May and 12/7/12 to seven.
The last case participated in the Mudgee race on the 16/6.
Two more suspect lofts are being investigated.
Vaccination is progressing at a healthy pace.
Stock of Inactivated vaccine is available, at least from one of the manufacturers.
11th July 2012
Update from Dr George Arzey
Total number of PPMV1 confirmed lofts so far - 6 (including the Donek loft in early May)
Excluding the Donek loft, 5 of the lofts are racing pigeons
2/6 lofts were depopulated
Others are in Quarantine.
Two suspect lofts (clinical signs & association) yet to be confirmed.
Illness has not spread to stock birds on any of the infected premises (age resistance??).
No reported mortality in feral pigeons in NSW
The use of electrolyte supplements could be considered since the diarrhoea (wet droppings) and increased
water intake associated with reduced feed intake may lead to an electrolyte imbalance that may affect
essential organs like the heart and brain.
Because of the birds reduced appetite, supplementation with glucose and vitamins may also help.
Keeping the birds warm during the cold nights could also help recovery.
Regards,
George
6th July 2012
Email update from Dr George Arzey
Be advised that I visited a loft today in the south West area of Sydney were clinical signs strongly indicated
PPMV1
Clinical signs included:
Increased thirst and greenish wet droppings.
Birds appear puffed up.
Mortality of 5% and 2.5% sickness was evident
This loft participated in a Race 2 weeks ago (not related to the Mudgee race)
This loft has now been confirmed to be PPMV1 positive and has been placed in Quarantine.
A loft owner in Sydney south advised me of the appearance of clinical signs similar to the above in a loft of
160 pigeons that apparently are connected with a tossing event on the 20/6 where the first infected race birds
also participated.
*** An Interesting and consistent element so far in Sydney has been the absence of the infection in
stock birds (breeders) that are only meters away from the infected racers (although the incubation period
appears to be 3 weeks).
This may indicate that the virus is not as infectious as thought.
Practically, it may suggest that good quarantine measures aiming to keep the stock birds free of infection could
help.
It will require attention to details and very good biosecurity.
In particular, the earliest vaccination of the stock birds is
imperative!!!
But be confident that the helper's loft is free of PPMV1 and he/she does not carry the virus. Perhaps a person
not associated with pigeons is preferable as a 'helper' during vaccination.
Other basic Biosecurity measures should include;
Always visiting the stock birds first (never go back on the same day!)
Changing into different cloths and shoes and passing an iodine foot bath before entering the stock birds.
if no iodine use other disinfectants
Not transferring any equipment between race birds and stock birds
Do not handle any sick birds before you enter the breeders.
Ensure separate feed containers for breeders and racers
Do not introduce any new breeders in the next few weeks unless you are 100% sure that they came from a safe
place.
Remember that the incubation period is long and birds during the incubation period can shed/carry the virus
with out showing clinical signs
Perhaps sharing the vaccine bottle and the vaccine gun between lofts is not a safe practice although
economically it appears to make good sense.
You can probably think of a few more hazards and implement measures to reduce the risk of spread of PPMV1 to
stock birds.
Fine netting (the same that is used to protect fruit trees from fruit flies) on the stock bird mesh could also
help to reduce the chances of feathers and dust "breezing" in from the racers
5th July 2012
Revised Order (from the 28th June)
There has been a revision from the original document from the 28th of June. This revision allows for some events
to happen once you have met the provision of the schedule.
The Newcastle & Coalfields Racing Pigeon Federation held a meeting on Tuesday 3rd July and resolved as
follows:
1. Only flyers who have vaccinated all their birds will be allowed to race on the NCF truck, once permission
is
2 granted by the DPI for racing to resume.
2. Vaccinations are to be conducted by an independent member, all
vaccinated birds are to have their ring numbers recorded and the independent party is to sign a
certification
confirming vaccination of those pigeons.
3. Once the booster vaccination has been administered to all birds (4
weeks after the initial doses), the NCF will supply the certifications to the DPI and apply for permission
to
resume racing.
We are targetting a return to racing on 18th August but this will be entirely up to the DPI.
4th July 2012
Declaration Forms for Clubs and Individuals
Attached please find the required declaration forms from clubs and individuals that have fully vaccinated and
wish to organise a race/gathering/event during the weeks covered by the movement restriction Order.
A general Stat Dec is not acceptable.
Please note that you do not need a JP for the attached forms.
Please be advised that a fourth loft of racing pigeons has been confirmed with PPMV1 in Sydney.
Acquisition of infection has occurred probably during a race on the 16/6.
Clinical signs are, at this stage, mild with only 2 birds dead.
It is most likely that the appearance of the clinical signs is very recent which indicates a longish incubation
period (period between exposure and clinical signs).
Considering the picture that is emerging, our strongest advice is to vaccinate ASAP.
Because of the long incubation period and the mild nature of he clinical signs, pigeon fanciers should be careful
when they introduce new birds to their lofts.
In the Sydney area it would be advisable to refrain from exercise where contact with other lofts are likely and
as much as practical to try to coordinate exercises of neighbouring lofts so they do not occur at the same
time.
The Movement Order will remain in place for another 6-8 weeks.
Fully Vaccinated loft will be exempt once they lodge a declaration with me on a NSW DPI prescribed form that will
be made available (soon) on the Department Web Site.
Watch carefully for the following clinical signs;
1. Birds are reluctant to participate in the exercise (do not leave the loft)
2. Reduced appetite
3. Increased thirst
4. Litter/floor wetter than usual
There is no evidence that the virus can affect poultry or aviary birds HOWEVER, the virus at this time of the
year can remain viable on other birds feathers and external parts for many days. Especially when not exposed to
direct sunlight.
So far, evidence of presence of PPMV1 in wild pigeons in NSW has not emerged..
Regards George
Source: Forwarded email from Dr George Arzey.
4th July 2012
PPMV Confirmed in Sydney Number 3
PPMV was confirmed in a third Sydney loft late evening yesterday. This loft had purchased pigeons at a pigeon
auction around 3 weeks ago. The purchased pigeons became ill 2 to 3 days after purchase with other pigeons in
the loft subsequently becoming ill and 4 birds dying. There is no known contact between pigeons from the second
and third confirmed infected lofts. No known connections to fancy pigeons or Victoria. No respiratory or nervous
signs.
No further details are known at this stage
Source: Forwarded email from Dr George Arzey.
3rd July 2012
Central Coast Racing Pigeon Association Meeting
C.C.R.P.A. Meeting held 3/07/12, Delegates voted unanimously to introduce the ruling that if
flyers do not vaccinate all their Racing & Stock birds for PMV they will not be allowed to
compete in any Racing or
Tossing conducted by the C.C.R.P.A.
A New schedule has been revised with a new starting date of 18/08/12, this starting date is
solely depending on any updates from N.S.W. DPI.
I suspect that most of you received some communication, mostly indirectly, about the movement restrictions that have been imposed on pigeons in NSW.
It would have been better if I had the opportunity to introduce the restrictions properly rather than people finding bits and pieces on the Web and from some media outlets. I suspect this is one reason why I am in my office on Saturday sending you this email, trying to sort out the confusion.
I have been getting 'a few' inquiries about the meaning and intention of the restrictions and the points below may clarify some issues;
1.At this stage the Order is applicable to all domestic pigeons in NSW regardless of their vaccination status.
2.Consideration will be given next week to exemptions for lofts /clubs where there is satisfactory evidence that the pigeons have been vaccinated twice.
3.The required "evidence" will be determined in consultation with our legal branch.
4.The Order is primarily aimed at the prevention of the spread of PPMV1 through activities such as racing, shows and other mass gatherings.
5.The Order does not intend to restrict exercising pigeons unless the exercise takes the form of mixing and gathering of pigeons from different lofts.
6.It was not the intention of the Order to prohibit the sale of pigeons or prohibit the movements of individual pigeons in NSW.
7.Restrictions on movement of pigeons from Victoria into NSW are still in place.
8.
The Order was introduced in a relative haste to mitigate the risk of activities during this weekend. The time frame also did not allow for optimal consultation.
Due to the successful efforts of some members of the pigeon sector, and with the owner's permission, it is likely that the pigeons in the infected loft will be eutanased by me on Monday.
Another bit of news is that the one suspect loft that I sampled on Thursday last week is free of PPMV1 infection!
With the assistance of the clubs involved, I will sample a few race and tossing in-contact lofts next week in order to determine their PPMV1 status.
The circulation of unfounded rumours about how the loft became infected, do not help although some people might believe that providing us with a "link" to implicate a source outside the racing fraternity may serve a useful purpose. A solid evidence rather than rumours, allegations and innuendoes are required to untangle this 'story'.
As far as vaccination
?Vaccination of pigeons against PPMV1 has not been made compulsory by NSW DPI. It is left to individuals and clubs/associations to decide on their attitude and policy to vaccination.
?Contrary to rumours and perceptions held by some, the vaccine can't spread and infect other birds since it contains a dead virus that is not capable of multiplying.
?The vaccine can only protect against clinical signs (and reduce shedding) BUT not against exposure of vaccinated birds to the PPMV1 live virus and variable shedding of the virus for days or weeks even by birds that have been vaccinated.
?Hence, vaccinated birds that appear normal may harbour the PPMV1 virus if they have been exposed to it and will probably infect unvaccinated birds that come into contact with them.
?Furthermore, the vaccine will not protect vaccinated birds from carrying the virus externally on their feathers etc and therefore vaccinated birds can spread the live virus.
?For effective protection it is necessary to vaccinate ALL birds in a loft except the very young (2-3 weeks old) that should have sufficient maternal/crop immunity to protect them against the disease.
?I'll issue a vaccine permit to Vets, clubs, association, individuals
?Because the vaccine is not registered for use in pigeons, you will be required to email me/fax me a copy of a veterinary instruction on administration aspects.
?Sooner we get adoption of a widespread vaccination, sooner activities could be resume without trepidation and hick-ups.
?
Apology to all that tried to reach me yesterday. I hope that the information above will answer some of your questions.
Regards
George
Dr George Arzey
Technical Specialist Poultry
Senior Veterinary Officer (Avian Health)
Department of Primary Industries
June 29th, 2012
Q&A to the DPI
The Secretary of the Mid North Coast put forward some questions:
Hi members.
I asked the dpi questions on your behalf and mine and have received the following
advice.
Hi George,
Mark Johnston secretary of the Mid North Coast Pigeon Federation Inc. with a couple of questions
on
the PPMV1:
For the MIDCPF - all racing stopped till when ?? We are considering at this stage a 6-8 weeks ban.
- are members allowed to exercise their birds
a) around the loft YES
b) conduct training tosses? Only if it involves one loft
- do all members have to vaccinate ?? We have not mandated vaccination
