PIGEON racing in the Diamond Valley has been suspended in a bid to prevent the spread of a deadly bird virus.
Montmorency pigeon racer Stephen Kearsey. Picture: Andy Drewitt
The Department of Primary Industries confirmed the outbreak of avian paramyovirus earlier this month.
Nineteen properties have been quarantined statewide, with seven confirmed cases wiping out domesticated pigeons in Lalor, Thomastown, Meadow Heights, Reservoir, Hoppers Crossing, Keilor Downs and Shepparton.
Diamond Valley Racing Pigeon Club president Stephen Kearsey, who also heads the Victorian Homing Association, said racing was suspended immediately after the first virus case was confirmed.
“The cessation of racing was a voluntary move by racing organisations so we don’t run the risk of coming into contact with the virus,” Mr Kearsey said.
“It’s a horrendous virus, killing pigeons within two or three days ... This is the worst thing that’s ever happened in 150 years of pigeon racing in Australia.”
He said the virus had not been found in any of the association’s racing pigeons.
Victoria’s acting chief veterinary officer Iain McLaren urged bird owners to ensure pigeons did not come into contact with other racing, fancy or wild pigeons, either directly and indirectly.
The department has warned the virus could spread to poultry, advising owners of backyard chickens to confine their birds to coops.
Bird owners should report any groups of sick or dead birds to their vet or the department on 136 186.
Source: Diamond Valley Leader
