Avian paramyxovirus (APMV-1) in pigeons

APMV-1 in pigeons is caused by pigeon-adapted strains of avian paramyxovirus type 1.

The virus multiplies mainly in the respiratory and digestive tracts and is shed in respiratory secretions and faeces.

APMV-1 is a viral disease that primarily affects pigeons. It spreads rapidly in lofts and often causes high rates of illness and death.

APMV-1 is not bird flu (Avian influenza).

Worldwide

Pigeon-adapted strains of APMV-1 are found in many countries.

The virus is widespread in domestic and wild pigeons in many regions and can cause major losses in racing and exhibition birds.

Australia

APMV-1 in pigeons was first detected in Australia in 2011. Since then, it has been confirmed in racing, fancy and feral pigeons in Victoria and New South Wales.

APMV-1 is considered to be established and widely-distributed in Australia.

Queensland

In Queensland, the spread of APMV-1 in pigeons has occurred when:

• infected pigeons or eggs are moved from affected states
• baskets, cages or other equipment contaminated with the virus are moved without cleaning
• biosecurity is poor at lofts, shows and races
• feral pigeons fly from other affected states.

• Pigeons
• Other birds exposed to infected pigeons or contaminated environments

In animals:

• Pigeons become infected mainly by contact with diseased or carrier pigeons.
• Infected birds shed virus in faeces and respiratory secretions.
• The virus multiplies in the respiratory and digestive systems, causing gastrointestinal and neurological signs.
• Sick birds can die within a few days of becoming ill.
• Some birds may recover but continue to shed the virus for a time.

In the environment:

• Faeces and secretions contaminate feed, water, loft floors, perches and equipment.
• Virus survives for several weeks in cool, damp conditions, particularly in organic material.
• It survives for shorter periods in hot, dry conditions and sunlight.
• Birds become infected through contact with contaminated faeces, surfaces, equipment, feed, water and clothing.

• Sudden death (within 3 days of illness)
• Lethargy and reluctance to fly
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Diarrhoea
• Weight loss and poor body condition
• Neurological signs (head flicking, circling, twisted necks)
• Laboured breathing
• Runny eyes and beak

The pattern and severity of signs can vary between lofts and individual birds.

Differential diagnoses

• Newcastle disease
• Avian influenza
• Salmonellosis
• Trichomoniasis
• Pigeon herpesvirus infection
• Other viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases affecting the gut, respiratory and nervous systems

Laboratory testing is required to confirm APMV-1 in pigeons.

If not controlled quickly, APMV-1 in pigeons can cause:

• high illness and death rates
• loss of valuable racing and exhibition birds
• cancellation or disruption of races, shows and sales
• costs for veterinary investigations, testing and flock management
• increased risk to backyard and commercial poultry flocks if biosecurity is poor.

The disease can have significant emotional and financial impacts on pigeon owners.

Environmental

APMV-1 in pigeons enters the environment in faeces and respiratory secretions from infected pigeons.

The virus can:

• contaminate loft floors, perches and nesting boxes
• contaminate baskets, crates, show pens and transport vehicles
• contaminate feed and water sources
• survive for several weeks in cool, damp, organic material.

Poor cleaning and disinfection increase the risk of virus persistence and spread within and between lofts.

Birds

APMV-1 in pigeons is usually spread by:

• movement of infected pigeons between lofts, races, shows and sales
• direct contact between diseased or carrier pigeons and healthy birds
• mixing flocks at races, shows and shared training or basketing facilities.

Birds become infected through:

• contact with contaminated faeces and respiratory discharges
• eating or drinking contaminated feed and water
• contact with contaminated baskets, cages, equipment and vehicles
• contact with contaminated clothing and footwear.

Humans

APMV-1 is zoonotic, meaning it can infect humans. Human infection is extremely rare.

People are exposed mainly by:

• handling sick or dead pigeons
• contact with contaminated faeces, litter or equipment.

Infection usually causes only mild, short-term conjunctivitis. Anyone who develops eye symptoms or flu-like illness after exposure should seek medical advice.

There is risk of infection throughout the year.

Outbreaks are more likely when:

• birds move frequently between lofts, events and regions
• new birds are introduced without quarantine or health checks
• baskets, cages and fittings are shared without effective cleaning
• lofts are crowded, and hygiene is poor
• pigeons have contact with feral pigeons, backyard poultry or wild birds.

APMV-1 can survive for weeks in faeces and other material. Contaminated environments remain risky even after sick birds are removed.

If you suspect APMV-1 in pigeons:

• Do not wait for more birds to become sick or die.
• Isolate sick pigeons from the rest of the loft.
• Stop the movement of birds, eggs, and equipment on and off the property.
• Avoid sharing baskets, cages or equipment with other pigeon keepers.
• Contact your veterinarian to arrange examination and testing.

Legal obligations

If you become aware of or suspect clinical APMV-1 in any bird, you must report this as soon as practicable to:

• Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23
• or
• the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

If you own, treat or manage birds, you have a general biosecurity obligation to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the effects of biosecurity risks such as APMV-1. This means you are legally required to reduce the risk of APMV-1 and limit its spread when dealing with possible carriers.

Advice for producers

Monitor your pigeons and other birds for:

• changes in behaviour or flight performance
• vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss
• neurological signs such as head flicking, circling or twisted necks
• clusters of sick or dead birds in the same loft, aviary or group.

Consider APMV-1 as a possible cause if your flock:

• has recently attended races, shows or sales
• has received new birds from other lofts, regions or states
• shares baskets, cages or equipment with other pigeon keepers
• has contact with feral pigeons or backyard poultry.

Prevention

Following good biosecurity and management practices will help to prevent disease and restrict its spread.

Guidelines for prevention:

• Limit the movements of pigeons between lofts and events where possible.
• Buy birds from reputable lofts with low disease risk and known health status.
• Quarantine new birds in a separate area for at least 14 days and monitor them daily before introduction.
• Do not share baskets, cages or equipment unless they are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses.
• Regularly clean and disinfect lofts, perches, nesting boxes, baskets and feed and water containers.
• Prevent feed and water from contamination by faeces and other waste.
• Reduce contact between your pigeons and feral pigeons, backyard poultry and wild birds.
• Apply strict entry rules for races, shows and sales to exclude sick birds and flocks with recent disease.
• Consider the use of the Newcastle disease vaccine (off-label).

Owners of pigeon flocks should maintain strong biosecurity and keep Newcastle disease vaccination and other flock vaccinations up to date.

Outbreaks

If APMV-1 in pigeons is suspected or confirmed:

• Work with your veterinarian to prevent disease in poultry.
• Isolate affected lofts or aviaries and stop bird movements on and off the property.
• Implement strict cleaning and disinfection in and around the loft.
• Review racing, showing and trading practices to reduce further spread.
• Cooperate with Biosecurity Queensland and follow all directions.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for APMV-1 in pigeons.

Management focuses on:

• good husbandry and supportive care for affected birds
• controlling secondary infections, where advised by a veterinarian
• strong biosecurity to protect unaffected birds and other flocks.

Some birds may recover but can shed the virus temporarily. Your veterinarian can advise on managing recovered birds and flock-level decisions.

Vaccination

No vaccine is registered in Australia for APMV-1 in pigeons.

Newcastle disease killed (inactivated) vaccines registered for use in poultry may sometimes be used in pigeons to help reduce illness and deaths if infection occurs. This use is off-label and must only be carried out under the written direction of a veterinarian.

Pigeon owners should discuss vaccination options with their veterinarian and follow any vaccination program recommended for their loft.

For detailed vaccination information, see APMV information for veterinarians.

If APMV-1 is confirmed or strongly suspected:

• Biosecurity Queensland may apply movement restrictions to affected and at-risk lofts.
• Movements of pigeons, eggs and fittings on and off affected properties may be restricted or controlled.
• Show, race, and sale organisers may need to implement additional controls or cancel events.

Restrictions are usually lifted after:

• infected flocks are managed in accordance with veterinary and regulatory advice.
• cleaning and disinfection are completed.
• any required monitoring or follow-up testing is finished.