Avian influenza information for pigeon owners

How to report

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 need to be vigilant for any signs of bird flu in their flocks, especially when multiple deaths occur or many birds are unwell.

Bird flu is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of the disease should 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. 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.

Movement restrictions

During a bird flu outbreak, declared areas will be established to stop the spread of the disease. If you are within these areas, you cannot move birds, bird products (including eggs and manure) and equipment on or off your property and you must follow any other restrictions imposed.

Every outbreak scenario is different, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest information. If you own pigeons and fall within these areas, the following will apply:

• Where exercise is required for welfare reasons, daily flights of up to one hour from a single home loft may be allowed after receiving a permit from Agriculture Victoria.
• You cannot move your birds to or from a premises for flying.
• Bird gatherings and shows will not be allowed, and you must not fly birds together from more than one loft.
• You must keep a record of all mortalities and report sick birds.
• You cannot move manure or bird-related waste off your property.
• You must try to avoid flying your birds in areas where there are lots of poultry.
• You must develop a biosecurity plan, if not already in place, and adhere to it.
• You must not leave lofts open for birds to come and go.
• You must try to prevent your birds having any contact with wild birds.

If you own pigeons outside of the restricted and control areas, the above will not apply. However, races that may involve a potential flight path through or over these areas cannot occur.

Waste removal

You can safely store manure or waste on-site by:

• composting it in a designated area on your property
• storing it in sealed bags or containers for later disposal once restrictions are lifted
• using it on your property if appropriate.

If off-site disposal is essential, you can apply for a permit from Agriculture Victoria, which will be assessed based on biosecurity risk.

Collecting samples to check pigeon health

If you fall within a restricted or control area, Agriculture Victoria may visit your property to swab your birds for diseases like bird flu. This includes sampling of faeces on the property and any dead birds, including wild ones.

You’ll notice us in full protective gear – suits, gloves, face masks and goggles. Our job is to ensure your flock is healthy by collecting swabs from a bird’s throat and cloaca (the bird’s bottom).

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