Message from ANPA President Bob Grant: I’ve had a call from George Arzey (SVO NSW DPI) that Blood samples forwarded to DPI from a Northern Sydney Avian Vet have tested positive to PPMV1. George stated that he “didn’t want to cause panic”, but I felt I should advise people now. He will advise of a suburb when it is confirmed and I will advise further.
The tested bird was a Donek.
Update from Dr Arzey: Please be advised that:
Paramyxovirus (yet to be confirmed as PPMV1) has been detected in a flock of approximately 100 Donek pigeons in western Sydney.

A new bird, believed to have originated from Victoria, was introduced to the loft on 27 April 2012.

Two out of ten birds in the area housing the new bird became sick on 29 April and died. A sick bird was presented to a veterinarian on 30 April.

Cloacal and tracheal swabs were submitted for PPMV1 exclusion.

Paramyxovirus infection was confirmed at EMAI late on 2 May 2012 (Please note this does not mean that PPMV1 has been confirmed. Only that a Paramyxovirus was detected).

The infected flock has been quarantined and tracing is underway to confirm the origin of the introduced bird and identify any other at risk flocks.

No further mortality is evident in the loft

No birds from the infected flock have been flown for some time.

No participation in shows etc is suspected.

Samples have been forwarded to AAHL for further confirmation and characterisation of the virus.
As stressed earlier to the Vics, Stay Safe!!!