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The small number of pigeons that survived the deadly Paramyxovirus have now been vaccinated at the GSPCA.
The Paramyxovirus was identified in Guernsey's wild pigeon population on 9 February and is responsible for hundreds of deaths of birds since the start of the year.
Of the 300 birds that the GSPCA has rescued or had in its care, around one in twenty has survived.
“Sadly of the 300, only 17 are still alive as the vast majority have sadly had pigeon Paramyxovirus, which is an extremely deadly disease to pigeons," said GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne.
"It is a viral disease that affects pigeons and it is really important that pigeon keepers ensure biosecurity, as we have seen cases from across the island not just in St Peter Port where the first cases were found.”
Pictured: 300 pigeons have been brought to the shelter or rescued by the GSPCA since the start of the year, only a fraction of which have survived the deadly effects of the Paramyxovirus.
Birds in isolation at the shelter have received a vaccine this week thanks to support from a local pigeon keeper.
“One of the first to be vaccinated was a pigeon called Dora who arrived as a chick last July with an abscess in his mouth," said Mr Byrne.
“Dora was released on site and has never strayed far and was brought in with concerns but is fit and well and with the vaccine hopefully can be released back to the wild once the vaccine has had the time it needs.”
Owners of domestic birds have been urged to tighten up their biosecurity and speak to their vets about getting a vaccination.
“There is very little we can do to help the wild pigeons," said Mr Byrne. "The vaccine really helps save lives and despite the heartbreak of seeing hundreds of deceased birds that either died or the vets were unable to help, those healthy birds now have a real chance when they can be released back in the wild."
“Paramyxovirus in pigeons and the poultry version Newcastle Disease is notifiable and if you keep birds and have concerns please not only speak to your vet, but also contact farmservices@gov.gg or call the farm services answerphone on 01481 235740.”
What is Pigeon Paramyxovirus?
Pigeon Paramyxovirus is a viral disease that primarily affects pigeons but can affect poultry. There are 12 recognized serotypes of avian paramyxoviruses. Serotype 1 contains both Pigeon Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV1) and Newcastle Disease virus (NDV), which affects poultry. The virulence (ability to cause disease) of both PPMV and NDV is highly variable.
The mortality rate of pigeons infected with PPMV can vary between 10% and 100%. In the current outbreak of PPMV in Guernsey, the mortality among pigeons taken to the GSPCA is currently 100%.
The incubation period can vary from a few days to several weeks. There is no specific treatment for this disease and infected birds often die within 72 hours but may survive with supportive therapies.
Anyone who discovers a sick pigeon should contact the GSPCA for advice (01481 257261).
What are the signs of PPMV?
Signs of pigeon paramyxovirus include:
nervous signs, including trembling wings and heads, and twisting of the neck,
partial paralysis of wings and legs (birds cannot fly, walk and be unable to feed),
unusually wet and liquid faeces (diarrhoea) that are often greenish in colour,
quietness, loss of appetite and reluctance to move.
Infection in poultry may cause:
no symptoms,
mild respiratory signs (sneezing),
reduced egg production,
nervous signs,
increased mortality.
How does it spread?
PPMV is very contagious and can spread between pigeons through direct contact with their faeces and respiratory secretions.
The disease can be introduced to a loft of kept pigeons through contact with infected wild pigeons and through:
pigeon transporters that have not been adequately cleaned and disinfected,
drinking water in lofts and transporters,
pigeon fanciers carrying infection on their clothes, hands and feet.
PPMV can cause disease in poultry if their feed is infected with the faeces of infected pigeons, for example. Paramyxovirus can cause Newcastle Disease in chickens.
At this stage, the virus appears to be highly pigeon specific and no other species have been affected.
Does it affect humans and other animals?
Some strains of paramyxovirus can potentially cause temporary conjunctivitis and flu-like symptoms in people. However, this is only a risk for lab workers and poultry vaccination teams that expose themselves to very large quantities of the virus.
Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) are also susceptible to PPMV but the susceptibility of other species of wild birds varies depending on the strain of the virus.
Paramyxovirus is not a risk to dogs, cats or any other non-avian pets.
What do I do if I come across a sick pigeon?
Contact the GSPCA for advice (01481 257261).
There is no treatment for PPMV other than supportive treatments and badly affected birds should be humanely euthanized.
What should I do if I keep pigeons?
Most pigeon keepers (racing, show & fancy) routinely vaccinate their flocks against PPMV and if they have not done so, they should do so promptly.
Pigeon owners´ primary defence against PPMV1 is to prevent the introduction of the disease into their loft by the implementation of the following biosecurity procedures:
preventing wild birds and feral pigeons (and their droppings) from having contact with your pigeons or contaminating their feed or water,
keeping lofts and equipment clean,
cleaning and disinfecting footwear and washing hands and clothes after visiting other birds,
disinfecting equipment used to house, transport, feed and water other birds,
limiting any unnecessary visitors to your pigeons' loft.
Check your birds regularly for any signs of disease. If clinical signs arise, isolate those birds which are showing clinical signs from the rest of the pigeons in the loft and contact the GSPCA in the first instance for advice.
What should I do if I keep poultry?
Good biosecurity measures, already in place to combat the current avian influenza threat, will reduce the risk of pigeons directly or indirectly infecting poultry. Examples of these are as follows:
Keep them housed – if you do not have a purpose built building you could use a garden shed, garage or polytunnel (provided there is adequate light and ventilation).
Block up any gaps in poultry housing with boards or netting to avoid any wild birds getting in.
If it is not possible to house birds, you must separate them from wild birds in a netted enclosure and ensure that food and water is kept indoors.
Make your premises unattractive to wild birds using scarers, foils or streamers.
Store food and bedding inside to reduce the risk of contamination.
Clean and disinfect – footwear, hard surfaces, equipment and vehicles.
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