Over the past months the GSPCA has been called out to or had brought in over sick, injured or deceased 300 pigeons.
On the 9th February the GSPCA confirmed Paramyxovirus in the wild pigeon population which has been killing hundreds of birds since the start of 2021.
In fact of the 300 birds that the GSPCA has rescued or had brough to the Shelter very sadly only 17 have survived.
This deadly virus has had a massive impact on the pigeon population across Guernsey but a handful of very lucky birds which have been shielding in an isolated area at the GSPCA were vaccinated yesterday thanks to a vaccine from a very friendly pigeon keeper.
To donate to our vital work please go to https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “We have now seen over 300 sick, injured or deceased pigeons rescued and brought through the doors at the GSPCA since the 1st January this year.”
“Sadly of this number only 17 are still alive as the vast majority have sadly had Pigeon Paramyxovirus which is an extremely deadly disease to pigeons.”
“Pigeon Paramyxovirus is a viral disease that affects pigeons and it is really important that pigeon keepers ensure biosecurity as we have seen cases from across the island not just in St Peter Port where the first cases were found.”
“We want to remind everyone that there is a chance the disease can affect poultry so we would urge poultry keepers to keep their birds indoors or undercover where possible and especially their feeders and water vessels.”
Beckie Bailey GSPCA Animal Care Assistant said “We have had some pigeons we rescued before the first cases of the disease arrived and we have been isolating birds and monitoring them as they arrive and some very lucky birds which avoided the disease have been shielding in an isolated area of the Shelter.”
“In talks with our vets and the States Vets and thanks to a local pigeon keeper we were able to vaccinate 7 healthy pigeons that do not carry the disease and they are ding very well.”
“One of the first to be vaccinated was a pigeon called Dora who arrived as a chick last July with an abscess in his mouth.”
“Dora was released on site and has never strayed far and was brought in with concerns but is fit and well and with the vaccine hopefully can be released back to the wild once the vaccine has had the time it needs.”
Steve continues “It is great news that we now have Dora and 6 other healthy pigeons vaccinated.”
“There is very little we can do to help the wild pigeons but owners of domestic birds really do need to ensure they have the best biosecurity in place they can and for pigeon owners they can speak to their vets about the vaccine available.”
"The vaccine really helps save lives and despite the heart break of seeing hundreds of deceased birds that either died or the vets were unable to help, those healthy birds now have a real chance when they can be released back in the wild."
“Paramyxovirus in pigeons and the poultry version Newcastle Disease is notifiable and if you keep birds and have concerns please not only speak to your vet, but also contact [email protected] or call the farm services answerphone on 01481 235740.”
“Paramyxovirus is mainly spread by diseased birds faeces, respiratory secretions and direct contact.”
“It can sometimes spread to humans but is extremely rare and has mainly been seen with those that work and care for large numbers of diseased birds and those infected display flu like symptoms.”
“With the huge increases in numbers of pigeons and the many other animals in our care we continue to appeal for support for our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal and to donate to our work and the care of the many animals please call 01481 257261, at the GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
“To help ensure we can help animals 24/7 why not become a regular sponsor to help animals like the 3 seal pups during these extremely difficult days and to find out more please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
“If you find a sick or injured pigeon or any animal you can contact 24/7 on 01481 257261 and press option 2 for the emergency number.”
What is Pigeon Paramyxovirus (PPMV)?
Pigeon Paramyxovirus is a Notifiable Disease, anyone who discovers a sick pigeon should contact the GSPCA for advice (01481 257261).
Pigeon Paramyxovirus is a viral disease that primarily affects pigeons but can affect poultry. There are 12 recognized serotypes of avian paramyxoviruses. Serotype 1 contains both Pigeon Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV1) and Newcastle Disease virus (NDV), which affects poultry. The virulence (ability to cause disease) of both PPMV and NDV is highly variable.
The mortality rate of pigeons infected with PPMV can vary between 10% and 100%. In the current outbreak of PPMV in Guernsey, the mortality among pigeons taken to the GSPCA is currently 100%.
The incubation period can vary from a few days to several weeks. There is no specific treatment for this disease and infected birds often die within 72 hours but may survive with supportive therapies.
What are the signs of PPMV?
Signs of pigeon paramyxovirus include:
- nervous signs, including trembling wings and heads, and twisting of the neck,
- partial paralysis of wings and legs (birds cannot fly, walk and be unable to feed),
- unusually wet and liquid faeces (diarrhoea) that are often greenish in colour,
- quietness, loss of appetite and reluctance to move.
Infection in poultry may cause:
- no symptoms,
- mild respiratory signs (sneezing),
- reduced egg production,
- nervous signs,
- increased mortality.
How does it spread?
PPMV is very contagious and can spread between pigeons through direct contact with their faeces and respiratory secretions.
The disease can be introduced to a loft of kept pigeons through contact with infected wild pigeons and through:
- pigeon transporters that have not been adequately cleaned and disinfected,
- drinking water in lofts and transporters,
- pigeon fanciers carrying infection on their clothes, hands and feet.
PPMV can cause disease in poultry if their feed is infected with the faeces of infected pigeons, for example. Paramyxovirus can cause Newcastle Disease in chickens.
At this stage, the virus appears to be highly pigeon specific and no other species have been affected.
Does it affect humans and other animals?
Some strains of paramyxovirus can potentially cause temporary conjunctivitis and flu-like symptoms in people. However, this is only a risk for lab workers and poultry vaccination teams that expose themselves to very large quantities of the virus.
Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) are also susceptible to PPMV but the susceptibility of other species of wild birds varies depending on the strain of the virus.
Paramyxovirus is not a risk to dogs, cats or any other non-avian pets.
What do I do if I come across a sick pigeon?
Please contact the GSPCA for advice (01481 257261).
There is no treatment for PPMV other than supportive treatments and badly affected birds should be humanely euthanized.
What should I do if I keep pigeons?
Most pigeon keepers (racing, show & fancy) routinely vaccinate their flocks against PPMV and if they have not done so, they should do so promptly.
Pigeon owners´ primary defence against PPMV1 is to prevent the introduction of the disease into their loft by the implementation of the following biosecurity procedures:
- preventing wild birds and feral pigeons (and their droppings) from having contact with your pigeons or contaminating their feed or water,
- keeping lofts and equipment clean,
- cleaning and disinfecting footwear and washing hands and clothes after visiting other birds,
- disinfecting equipment used to house, transport, feed and water other birds,
- limiting any unnecessary visitors to your pigeons' loft.
Check your birds regularly for any signs of disease. If clinical signs arise, isolate those birds which are showing clinical signs from the rest of the pigeons in the loft and contact the GSPCA in the first instance for advice.
What should I do if I keep poultry?
Good biosecurity measures, already in place to combat the current avian influenza threat, will reduce the risk of pigeons directly or indirectly infecting poultry. Examples of these are as follows:
- Keep them housed – if you do not have a purpose built building you could use a garden shed, garage or polytunnel (provided there is adequate light and ventilation).
- Block up any gaps in poultry housing with boards or netting to avoid any wild birds getting in.
- If it is not possible to house birds, you must separate them from wild birds in a netted enclosure and ensure that food and water is kept indoors.
- Make your premises unattractive to wild birds using scarers, foils or streamers.
- Store food and bedding inside to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Clean and disinfect – footwear, hard surfaces, equipment and vehicles.
Please register your poultry with the States of Guernsey if you have not already done so. Email [email protected] or call the farm services answerphone on (01481) 235740 and provide the following information:
- Name, Address, Contact details (phone number, email address), Type of birds kept, Number of birds kept, Address where poultry are located, if different to the home address.
- The Office for the Environment and Infrastructure will use this information to contact you if there is a disease outbreak or if there are any other animal health/welfare concerns that you should be made aware of.
- For details on how they will use your data please see our Fair Processing Notice.
Chickens in commercial poultry flocks are usually vaccinated against NDV.
Donate
Donate by calling 01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
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By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future. After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.
A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding
Gift Aid on Donations over £500
To find out about the the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0
2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief
To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0
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In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have been outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in line with their advice or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
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