Pigeons affected by PPMV1 may show any of the following signs:

• Lethargy, depression and reluctance to fly
• Ruffled feathers
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst
• Respiratory signs e.g. laboured breathing
• Greenish, watery diarrhoea
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Neurological signs (head shaking, circling, head persistently turned to one side)

PPMV1 infection in a loft/flock of pigeons can result in high numbers of affected pigeons (high morbidity) and high numbers of deaths (high mortality), up to 100% in both cases.

PPMV1 is a notifiable disease in NSW which means if you suspect a bird is showing signs of the disease, you must report it. If any bird owner is suspicious of PPMV1, they should contact a veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 to arrange for sampling and testing.

Notifiable disease testing is conducted by NSW DPI as a cost-free service to the submitter/owner.

As the clinical signs of PPMV1 are variable and can be similar to those observed in a range of other avian diseases, diagnosis of PPMV1 must be confirmed by identification of parts of the PPMV1 genome (polymerase chain reaction – PCR). Histopathology of the brain, kidney and pancreas can also be used as an adjunct to diagnosis. Sampling requirements for PPMV1 testing are summarised in Table 1.

Table 1: Sampling requirements for ILT testing

*Standard histology charges apply

For veterinarians needing to submit to EMAI for PPMV1 testing, note the following:

• Place swab samples in transport media (PBGS) or in saline if other media is unavailable. PBGS can be obtained from the following:
• your local LLS District Veterinarian (1300 795 299),
• EMAI (1800 675 623), or
• https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/services/laboratory-services/kits-and-media/order-media.
• Chill swabs at either 4°C or with ice bricks.
• If whole dead birds are being submitted, they should be securely packed (i.e. double bagged and in a rigid container).
• Clearly label specimens and send in appropriate packaging via courier to the NSW APHL:

NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories  
Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI)  
Woodbridge Road  
Menangle NSW 2568  
Phone: 1800 675 623

• If you do not routinely dispatch samples to EMAI, contact laboratory customer service (1800 675 623, laboratory.services@dpird.nsw.gov.au) in advance for assistance with dispatch logistics.

For more information on sample submission for PPMV1 testing, visit the NSW DPI Laboratory (EMAI) website.

PPMV1 virus can be rapidly spread by close contact between birds or contact with bird faeces. Factors that can contribute to spread include:

• Contact with infected pigeons (including strays or feral pigeons)
• Contact with contaminated travelling boxes or transporters that have not been cleaned and disinfected adequately
• Shared drinking water or food in lofts and transporters
• Virus carried on clothes, hands or footwear of loft visitors.

PPMV1 is endemic in feral pigeon populations in NSW thus preventing contact of your birds, or their feed/water sources with feral pigeons is important in protecting your flock/loft.

PPMV1 can cause mild flu-like symptoms in people with close contact with infected birds. Although this is rare, personnel handling infected or suspect pigeons should take adequate precautions including wearing of a facemask and gloves and washing hands after handling or contact with birds.

1-What can I do to prevent the introduction of PPMV1 in my pigeons?

Simple biosecurity measures that can be implemented to prevent the introduction of PPMV1 into flocks/lofts include:

• Prevent feral pigeons from having contact with your pigeons
• Prevent feed and water being contaminated by feral pigeon faeces and other discharges
• Limit unnecessary visitors to your loft
• Isolate introduced pigeons (including strays and any pigeons returning from a show or race) for at least 2 weeks before introducing them to your flock/loft
• Attend to introduced pigeons last each day and ensure clean clothing/footwear before attending to flock/loft pigeons the next day
• Keep lofts and equipment clean
• Practice good hygiene when visiting bird shows, auctions and other pigeon flocks/lofts
• Wash your hands and clean clothing and footwear after visiting birds shows, auctions and other pigeon lofts/flocks
• Clean and disinfect equipment used to house, transport, feed and water pigeons
• Detergents e.g. washing-up liquid, laundry detergent and car/truck wash detergents can be used to loosen and remove dirt prior to disinfection. In order to be effective, detergents must have a contact time of at least 15 minutes before washing off. Disinfection can be achieved by applying (eg. spraying) a chemical solution with known viricidal activity (eg. bleach) to clean surfaces and allowing them to dry before re-use.

2-Can I vaccinate my pigeons against PPMV1?

Yes, there are vaccine options available in Australia that can aid in the control of PPMV1 in pigeons. Consult your veterinarian with regards to sourcing and using vaccine for PPMV1. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and use of the vaccine.

It is recommended that organisers of pigeon races and shows ensure that only healthy vaccinated pigeons are allowed to participate at these events.