DAYLESFORD Homing Club pigeons are grounded in the middle of racing season following a deadly avian virus outbreak.
The homing club, which is part of the Central Highlands Pigeon Combine, was due to 'basket' their pigeons today in preparation for a 400 mile race from Olary on Saturday.
Member Jack Stubbs said since the detection of the Avian Paramyxovirus in a number of pigeon flocks in Victoria, the club had been directed not to fly their pigeons.
"I'm very disappointed because these are the important races," Mr Stubbs said.
"The other races only lead up to these big events.
"If it (virus) stops the races then our season is not completed."
He said Daylesford Homing Club had nine members, with five currently flying their pigeons in the Central Highlands Combine.
"The pigeons are fit now. They work up from small races right up to the big tough ones," he said.
Following the Olary race, the pigeons were due to race again from Olary on September 17, followed by a "500 miler" from Hawker on October 1, and then a 600 miler from Coongoola in mid October.
"We don't know where we stand," Mr Stubbs said.
"They did the same thing years ago but then they realised they couldn't stop the spread of disease on wild birds."
The Avian Paramyxovirus was a new virus that has resulted in the deaths of a number of hobby pigeon flocks in Victoria, according to Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp.
Dr Schipp said the birds have died suddenly in large numbers, often appearing tired or showing neurological signs such as circling or head flicking before death.
"At this stage, there are no reports of this virus causing disease in wild birds, but we have asked the Australian Wildlife Health Network to be alert to this possibility," he said.
"Human infection with this virus is extremely rare and usually occurs only in people who have close direct contact with infected birds."
He said in humans the virus only caused mild, short-term conjunctivitis or influenza-like symptoms.
Anybody concerned about their pigeons or birds should contact an experienced poultry veterinarian, their local department of agriculture, or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch hotline on 1800 675 888.
Source:Hepburn Advocate
