Thursday, September 8, 2011

Rare Killer Pigeon Virus Attacks Hobby Flocks in Australia

09/06/2011
It seems like troubles posted by deadly viruses in Australia are not going to end anytime soon. The nation, which is already struggling against the mortal hendra virus, is now invaded by an infrequent virus.

The detection of an immensely atypical virus in pigeons has piled-up a revised manual of concerns for Victorian vet authorities. At present, there is not much information available about the virus being observed in wild birds, but it is being speculated that the suspected virus may be grave-inspiring for pigeons, poultry, and more.

Making a quick precautionary move, Australian Wildlife Health Network is continuously monitoring the state of affairs, and Victorian vet officials are busy diagnosing the health condition of poultry and pigeon.

The atypical virus, dubbed "Avian Paramyxovirus", has been confirmed in numerous Victorian pigeon flocks. It has executed various hobby flocks in the region.

Mark Schipp, Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, revealed that numerous birds died suddenly due to a strange infection. In addition, infected pigeons looked tired most of the time, and were even diagnosed with neurological symptoms like head flicking or circling followed by death.

Though the said virus instigates barely short-termed and mile influenza or conjunctivitis-like symptoms, it call be a real killer.

"Human infection with this virus is extremely rare and usually occurs only in people who have close direct contact with infected birds", Dr. Shipp said.

No comments: