Via Whittlesea Leader :
" FOUR Whittlesea properties have been quarantined as a rare bird virus spreads across northern Melbourne, killing domestic and racing pigeon flocks.
The Department of Primary Industries last week confirmed avian paramyxovirus was detected in three properties in Lalor and one in Thomastown earlier this month.
The department’s Alan Everett said the quarantine order would be lifted 30 days after the last detected death and all cleaning and sterilising of the sites had been done.
In total, 25 properties have been quarantined across Victoria, with 23 confirmed virus cases."
Showing posts with label Avian paramyxovirus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Avian paramyxovirus. Show all posts
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Australia : Rare pigeon virus 'can spread to humans'
Article via The Sydney Morning Herald :
" A rare virus that can be contracted by humans has killed a large number of Victorian pigeons after being detected in Australia for the first time.
A type of avian paramyxovirus has resulted in the deaths of a number of hobby pigeon flocks.
Australian chief veterinary officer Dr Mark Schipp said the birds had died suddenly in large numbers.
The birds had sometimes appeared tired or shown neurological signs such as circling or head flicking before death.
He said human infection was extremely rare and usually occurred after contact with an infected bird.
“The virus causes only mild, short-term conjunctivitis or influenza-like symptoms [in humans],’’ Dr Schipp said.
“State veterinary authorities have been asked to review the health of their pigeon and poultry flocks.
“At this stage, there are no reports of this virus causing disease in wild birds, but we have asked the Australian Wildlife Health Network to be alert to this possibility.’’
Dr Schipp said the national Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease had met twice to discuss the outbreak, which is being managed by Victorian chief veterinary officer Dr Hugh Millar and industry and veterinary authorities."
" A rare virus that can be contracted by humans has killed a large number of Victorian pigeons after being detected in Australia for the first time.
A type of avian paramyxovirus has resulted in the deaths of a number of hobby pigeon flocks.
Australian chief veterinary officer Dr Mark Schipp said the birds had died suddenly in large numbers.
The birds had sometimes appeared tired or shown neurological signs such as circling or head flicking before death.
He said human infection was extremely rare and usually occurred after contact with an infected bird.
“The virus causes only mild, short-term conjunctivitis or influenza-like symptoms [in humans],’’ Dr Schipp said.
“State veterinary authorities have been asked to review the health of their pigeon and poultry flocks.
“At this stage, there are no reports of this virus causing disease in wild birds, but we have asked the Australian Wildlife Health Network to be alert to this possibility.’’
Dr Schipp said the national Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease had met twice to discuss the outbreak, which is being managed by Victorian chief veterinary officer Dr Hugh Millar and industry and veterinary authorities."
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