NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Pigeon paramyxovirus

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Description

Pigeon paramyxovirus (PPMV-1) has been isolated in domestic and feral pigeons in New South Wales and Victoria however it is not nationally notifiable. Initial clinical signs noted in affected pigeons include depression, ruffled feathers, increased thirst, inappetance and diarrhoea. Nervous signs such as head and wing tremors, partial paralysis of wings and legs and twisting of the neck (torticollis) can occur. Affected birds can recover from infection.

Pigeon paramyxovirus has been rarely reported in other bird species (sparrow hawk and spotted turtle dove) but there is no known human infection.

A vaccination program which includes an annual booster is recommended to protect young and newly introduced birds.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pigeon paramyxovirus is suggested by clinical signs, gross pathology and histopathology and confirmed with PCR.

Tests available

Click on + in the tables below for sampling requirements and additional test information

Code Name Samples required Species Turnaround time Price (excl. GST) Notes Test days
HIST_HE1 Histopathology – Preparation & Examination

Fixed Tissues- General 

  • Fresh tissues immediately placed in formalin
  • Tissue pieces should not be greater than 1cm cubed to ensure proper fixation
    • Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue

Fixed Tissues- Nervous tissues

  • Submission of whole brain is required to ensure preservation of TSE target sites
    • submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue
  • Brains submitted for Nervous tissues are processed once a week, separate to general tissues to ensure consistent and reliable results. Urgent cases can be processed out of cycle if clearly marked on the Submission Form however this may reduce the quality of the brain histology results, so should only be requested in extremely urgent cases.

Fresh Tissues

  • Fresh tissues can be submitted following necropsy
  • The quality of the tissues will be reduced due to the effects of autolysis so ideally fixed tissue should be submitted in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue

All species

Up to 10D

$84.95

D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.

Monday - Friday
PPMV1_PCR Pigeon Paramyxovirus Real–time PCR*

Swab (PBGS)

  • Separate cloacal and tracheal swabs should be submitted in viral transport media (PBGS).
    • Use sterile swabs.
    • Paediatric swabs can be used for small birds.
    • Clearly label swabs to identify bird and tissue sampled.
    • Submit chilled.

Fresh tissue

Avian

2-3D

$109.35

* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation.

D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.

According to demand

Additional Specimen Requirements

Histopathology samples

Fixed tissue
  • Brain, kidney or pancreas.
    • Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue.

Additional Information

Note

Fees for tests undertaken to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of Pigeon Paramyxovirus are paid by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Extra testing to establish an alternative diagnosis is at submitters’ expense.

Always clearly label specimens as Suspect Pigeon Paramyxovirus. Pack securely and forward separately from any other specimens.

Advise the laboratory Customer Services of your submission and place a warning under the lid of the outer packaging. This will ensure specific biosecurity precautions are undertaken at the laboratory.

Additional Information

Sample Collection Protocol

Customer Service

Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.

NSW DPIRD's laboratories are committed to continual improvement of services. If you would like to provide feedback, please fill in and submit the online feedback form.

CONTACT DETAILS

Phone1800 675 623
Email

laboratory.services@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Operating Hours

8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays)

8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only)

Postal Address

Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567

Quotations

For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request

Submission Forms

Veterinary Specimen Advice Form

Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpird.nsw.gov.au) for more information.

Courier services and specimen delivery

For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.

For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.

Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the APHL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.

Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).

Sample Type

Laboratory

Street Address

Animal (including aquatic animals)

NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL)

EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au