Avian influenza information for pigeon owners

Avian influenza

Avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu or fowl plague, is a highly infectious disease that affects many bird species and can result in significant outbreaks of illness and death.

Generally, pigeons are considered more resistant to avian influenza than other bird species. However, infection is still possible in pigeons and the disease can be fatal.

Pigeons may also play a role in disease transmission by serving as mechanical vectors – that is, carriers of the virus via their feathers, feet or droppings.

Signs of bird flu

The first signs of bird flu in pigeons can be non-specific, but are likely to include:

• tremors
• twisted neck
• incoordination
• wing paralysis
• green diarrhoea.

For more information read the Avian Influenza factsheet

Protecting your birds

All bird owners should monitor for any signs of bird flu in their flocks, especially if multiple deaths occur or many birds are unwell.

How to report

Bird flu is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of the disease must be immediately reported to the 24-hour EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to your local vet.

Good biosecurity and emergency preparedness is key to protecting your pigeons against bird flu. Practical steps include:

• keeping pigeons away from open ponds, lakes, creeks or other watercourses used by wild birds
• using water sources that are adequately treated (e.g. mains water)
• cleaning feeders and drinkers at least once a day
• making sure feed and water used by pigeons are wild bird and rodent-proof
• cleaning enclosures periodically to maintain a safe and hygienic environment
• ensuring baskets are clean when using them to transport birds to other locations and disinfected regularly during the season
• avoiding contact with other domestic birds nearby, especially chickens
• practising good hygiene at all times, such as handwashing before and after contacting the birds
• quarantining new birds or birds returning from a race for 14 days before introducing them into the loft
• purchasing birds, litter and feed from accredited sources
• not permitting visitors access to areas where pigeons are kept
• cleaning the feet of your birds before transporting them to other locations, particularly shows, races and sales
• using good biosecurity practices between and within properties. Clean your boots, vehicles and equipment before entering areas where birds are kept
• getting your birds regularly checked by your veterinary practitioner
• developing a biosecurity plan that includes detailed records of all bird-related activities. This should cover bird movements, introduction of new birds, illnesses and mortalities and vaccination records. Additionally, maintain a log of all visitors to the property, water and food sources, and a cleaning record including what chemicals and disinfectants were used.

Testing birds for disease

If there is concern about a possible emergency animal disease in your flock, Agriculture Victoria or your private vet will investigate and may visit your property to swab your birds for diseases including bird flu.

These samples are sent to our state veterinary laboratory for testing.

More information

• Keeping backyard poultry
• Avian influenza information for backyard poultry owners
• Avian influenza factsheet