THE DEPARTMENT of Primary Industries (DPI) is moving to stop a deadly pigeon virus that is spreading across Brimbank, Whittlesea and Werribee.
The DPI has quarantined a total of 19 properties across Victoria after detecting avian paramyxovirus in pigeon flocks.
There are confirmed cases in Keilor Downs, Lalor, Meadow Heights, Thomastown and Hoppers Crossing.
DPI’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Iain McLaren has warned bird owners to prevent contact with racing, fancy and wild pigeons.
“Ensure your birds are physically separated from other people’s or wild birds, including not sharing feed and water,” Dr McLaren said.
“Owners should also practise good hygiene if attending bird shows, limiting visitors to your birds, and quarantining new birds on introduction to flocks.
“A strong detergent will kill the virus on contact.”
Dr McLaren said bird owners should also keep equipment and poultry yards or avaries clean to prevent contamination.
Movements of birds to and from known infected properties are being investigated to determine possible sources of infection and the extent of disease spread.
Dr McLaren has also warned humans can be infected and suffer headache and flu-like symptoms, including mild conjunctivitis which persists for one or two days in rare cases.
He urged residents to consult their doctors if they develop symptoms after handling diseased birds.
Bird owners should report any groups of sick or dead birds to their local veterinarian or to the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
