Paramyxovirus in pigeons is very serious and has been known to wipe-out entire lofts. Sick birds can die inside of 3 days. The infection spreads very easily between birds and there is no specific remedy.
If you are not sure how to handle a potential infection or have little experience please contact a veterinarian.
Otherwise known as ‘Newcastle Disease’, some indications of a Paramyxo (PMV) infection consist of:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Green diarrhoea
- Distorted twisting of the neck, circling and head flicking
- Laboured breathing
- Runny eyes and beak
Contaminated birds might shed the virus in their faeces and other discharges, contaminating the setting (like feed, water, tools and even human clothing) and making it possible for transmission to other birds. Avian Paramyxovirus can survive for numerous weeks in the atmosphere, particularly in cooler climates.
If infection is suspected in the loft, emergency vaccination can be carried out in all pigeons that seem healthy in attempt to stop the virus spreading any further. Visibly impacted birds should be excluded from emergency vaccination and quickly removed from the loft, by shedding the virus they place the remainder of the birds at risk.
