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Update on Avian Influenza (AI)

Since the last quarter when we reported on Bird Flu and White Doves – The Real Story, the disease has continued to spread worldwide.  And with the bird migratory season, it will undoubtedly continue. Are our pigeons going to become at risk?  Should we be concerned?

 The USGS published a set of notes about recent updates we include them here:  Current Notes on AI .  And the April issue of Science had two very fine articles about AI.  These articles emphasize the relationship of humans to species that are susceptible to AI, so there is little mention of pigeons, but they are well worth reading for your general education. 

Global Patterns of Avian Flu
Host Specificity of Avian Flu

Once again, we want to emphasize that pigeons are currently poor reservoirs for AI, but the greatest concern we have at the International White Dove Society is that because pigeons are birds, they will be targeted as dangerous.  That could hurt our ability to market our businesses and provide doves for display and releases.  It is the responsibility of every IWDS member to educate the public about this situation and assure them that doves and pigeons are not a threat.  Remember, pigeons are very resistant to the strains of AI that they have been tested with, but also remember that they can become infected with some strains although they show very few signs or symptoms.  We all know that this virus can mutate (the reason we are concerned that humans may begin to become infected), so we certainly don't want it to mutate so that it more easily infects or is virulent to our pigeons..

There are some very practical steps we can take to protect our flocks and businesses.  Most of these are good ideas in terms of a number of diseases that could be transmitted.

1. Do NOT let your birds mix with migratory birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds. All wild birds should be kept out of your loft and off your premises. Do NOT feed wild birds around your pigeon loft.

2. Do NOT let your birds mix with any other domestic poultry; galliforms and waterfowl can and do get Avian Influenza, and could set up a situation where the virus could jump to pigeons.

3. Do NOT allow your birds to mix with feral pigeons, and do not allow feral pigeons into your loft.

4. When training, keep birds under control, and do NOT allow them to just sit around outside on the loft roof.

5. Training flights should be arranged so that the birds can make it home in a reasonable amount of time. Do NOT release into bad weather so that they are left out overnight.  Remember to plan your releases early enough so that they can return home.

6. In the case of an Avian Influenza break in any species, keep yourself and your birds totally clear of any contact, even indirect or incidental.

7. Do not allow your pigeons to become infected, and quickly destroy any that might become infected.



Avian Influenza is not a major problem in pigeons at this time. With a little bit of common sense and vigilance we can easily keep it that way.  Our birds and our businesses are depending on us.

 

More References to check out - read the research for yourself

• Susceptibility of pigeons to avian influenza.

• Pathogenicity of a Hong Kong-origin H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus for emus, geese, ducks, and pigeons.