Health risks associated with new Avian Paramyxovirus in Victoria

Since August 2011, a strain of Avian Paramyxovirus (PMV1) that has not previously been found in Australia has been identified in flocks of hobby pigeons in the greater Melbourne and Shepparton/Tatura areas of Victoria.

The first case of PMV1 in a wild pigeon was detected in Melbourne in October 2011. To date, PMV1 in wild pigeons has been confirmed by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in 17 locations across Melbourne and 36 infected properties across Victoria, where the virus has been confirmed in pigeons that are sick or have died.

Affected pigeon flocks have experienced high mortality associated with lethargy, gastrointestinal and neurological signs. 

With increased concerns surrounding the health risks associated with PMV1 it is important to adhere to the biosecurity procedures and guidelines for the safe handling and transport of pigeons that are potentially infected with PMV1. More information can be found via the links at the bottom of this article.

Human health considerations:

  • Pigeons have a high prevalence of the serious (potentially lethal) psittacosis infection.
  • Although extremely rare, avian paramyxovirus may cause conjunctivitis or influenza-like symptoms in humans. Usually this occurs when people are in close contact with infected birds.
  • Every care must be exercised not to contaminate the eyes, mouth or nose.
  • Illnesses occurring up to 2 weeks after potential contamination must be investigated by a medical practitioner.

Personal protective equipment:

  • P2 face mask and gloves are essential. Goggles or protective glasses are recommended.
  • Disposable or washable overalls should be worn if officers are likely to come in contact with healthy pigeons or birds after contact with potentially infected pigeons.
  • Washable shoes should be worn.

Procedure for the transport of pigeons

  • Ideally sick pigeons should be euthanised prior to transport.
  • It is acceptable to euthanase pigeons by injection of lethabarb or manual cranio-cervical dislocation. The latter is only recommended for those experienced with this form of euthanasia.
  • Euthanised animals are placed inside two bags (double bagged) and then transported in a sealable container.
  • Live pigeons should be transported in disposable containers or containers that can be disinfected.
  • Live pigeons should not be transported in the same airspace as any person (i.e. they should not share the cabin of a motor vehicle with the driver).
  • Only vehicles with a separate compartment that is not a boot can be used to transport live pigeons.

The New South Wales government  recently moved to have PMV1 classified as a notifiable emergency animal disease, and has banned pigeon movements from Victoria into New South Wales as a precaution. Under this new legislation, bird fanciers are required to notify authorities if they suspect one of their pigeons has PMV1. 

Signs of infection

The first signs are usually increased thirst and diarrhoea, loss of appetite and reluctance to move and fly.

Nervous signs may also develop (before diarrhoea), and include trembling of the wings and head, tumbling on landing, partial paralysis of the wings and legs and twisting of the neck (torticollis). In some cases, birds attempting to feed may be unable to pick up grain.

Factors that can lead to the spread of the disease include:

  • Contact with infected birds;
  • Contact with contaminated travelling boxes or transporters that have not been thoroughly cleansed and disinfected;
  • Shared drinking water in lofts and transporters; and
  • Virus carried on the clothes, hands and feet of loft visitors.

Spread of the disease can most effectively be controlled by preventing contact between birds, both directly and indirectly. Movement of infected birds is identified as the highest risk process for the spread of the disease.

Threat to other species

There is a very low risk of the spread of PMV1 other species including humans. In rare cases where PMV1 has infected humans through close contact with infected birds and has resulted in symptoms such as short-term conjunctivitis or mild influenza.

Dogs and cats are not thought to be at risk of infection.

The AVA’s Guidelines for Veterinary Personal Biosecurity provides the latest information about infection control and are relevant to all veterinary practices.

Sampling

New South Wales

In New South Wales, whole birds can be submitted for sampling. The DPI NSW is recommending that minimal sampling should include:

  • Cloacal and tracheal/oropharangeal swabs separately into phosphate buffered glycerol saline (PBGS) or equivalent virus transport medium (VTM) for PCR testing. If no PBGS is available, swabs should be placed in 2 mL of sterile saline
  • Fresh and fixed brain and other affected organs

In New South Wales transport media may be obtained at no charge by contacting the State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (SDVL) on virology [dot] enquiries [at] industry [dot] nsw [dot] gov [dot] au, or ph 02 4640 6337 or 02 4640 6377 for further information.

There is no charge to the submitter for laboratory testing to exclude Avian Paramyxovirus or for associated courier costs with transport of samples to the laboratory.

Victoria

DPI Victoria is asking ifyou notice similar signs or high death rates in your client’s flocks please call on 1800 675 888 so that an investigation into the cause of death can be undertaken.  You will then be given instructions about what samples to collect and courier arrangements to have the birds tested for the virus.  DPI Victoria will not charge for this testing.

Suggested infection prevention measures

  • Not taking birds to shows, fairs or race meets
  • Not trading or introducing new birds
  • Isolating and closely monitoring introduced birds or birds that have been to races or shows for 14 days (feed and water these isolated birds last and wash and change afterwards)
  • Disinfecting equipment used to house, transport of feed or water birds from outside your flock or birds that have travelled to shows
  • Removing stray birds from your loft
  • Avoiding visitors to your loft
  • Disinfecting boots and washing hand and clothes if you visit other lofts. 

The Victorian Department of Primary Industries is advising that vaccines for Newcastle disease (ND) in poultry could provide some cross immunity to PMV1 and may help to reduce the spread of the disease in pigeons.

DPI Victoria is recommending that owners of pigeons who consider the use of commercially available Newcastle disease vaccines to help control PMV1 in healthy pigeons do so in consultation with their veterinarian.

Further information on Newcastle disease (ND)

Contact information

For Victoria and New South Wales the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888

Online information

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/poultry/health-disease

http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/animal-diseases/pigeon-virus

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