Tasmanian officials issued an alert Wednesday over a virus that has infected racing and show pigeons in Victoria. They fear the avian paramyxovirus will be spread by the birds that cross the Bass Strait.

It is the first record of the virus affecting Australian birds.

The risk prompted veterinary authorities in the state to ask pigeon owners in Victoria to temporarily stop freeing their pet birds for exercise flights to reduce the risk of transmission until more is known of the disease.

"We usually take part in 20 races across the water every year, but we will place everything on hold and organize local races until we learn more," Launceston Racing Pigeon Society Secretary Barry Williams told The Mercury.

Of the nine suspected infections in Victoria, six were confirmed while the three other cases are under investigation.

Dr Mark Schipp, Australia's chief veterinary officer, said symptoms of virus infection include circling or flicking of head before the pigeon dies. Although the virus has not yet infected wild birds in Tasmania, Schipp said he asked the Australian Wildlife Health Network to be alert for spread of the disease.

He added human infection was very rare and usually happens if a person has contact with an infected avian.

"The virus causes only mild, short-term conjunctivitis or influenza-like symptoms in humans," Schipp told The Examiner.