More Australian States Join Action to Prevent Spread of Bird Virus

The agriculture departments of four states in Australia are jointly taking action to prevent the further spread of the deadly avian paramyxovirus.

The first step was to cancel all pigeon races across the Bass Strait and an order for all owners to lock up their domesticated pigeons in Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales. Chicken farmers in Victoria were also required to keep their birds inside sheds until further notice.

The new regulations were made in response to the discovery of a new strain of the bird virus last week in Victoria which caused the death of flocks of domesticated pigeons on six properties. Another 14 properties were placed under quarantine by Victoria authorities, ABC reports.

On a national level, the Department of Primary Industries advised pigeon owners to put in place strong biosecurity measures including preventing contact with other pigeons to cut the risk of spreading the disease.

Andrew Cameron, Victoria's deputy chief veterinary officer, warned that the new strain of the virus could infect also poultry. There is no registered vaccine yet for pigeons against the new virus strain, but the veterinary department is searching for options, he said.