Pigeon Plague: Outbreak in Basel
The so-called “pigeon plague” (Pigeon Paramyxovirus PMV-1) has been detected in Basel's urban pigeons. This is a disease that is highly contagious among pigeons and frequently leads to the death of the animals. The illness is incurable and progresses rapidly.
The so-called «pigeon plague» (Pigeon Paramyxovirus PMV-1) has been detected in Basel's urban pigeons. This is a disease that is highly contagious among pigeons and frequently leads to the death of the animals. The illness is incurable and progresses rapidly.
In humans, the pathogens can cause conjunctivitis or mild flu-like symptoms, but no other serious symptoms.
Symptoms and Routes of Transmission
Possible signs of the disease include increased skittishness in pigeons, one-sided paralysis of the wings and legs, up to and including complete immobility in affected birds. The virus spreads from pigeon to pigeon via the beak opening and conjunctiva, eye and nasal secretions, as well as through contaminated food and drinking water or dust contaminated with the virus. Indirect transmission can also occur via contaminated objects, insects, rodents, or humans. The virus can also be transmitted to humans. The pathogens can cause conjunctivitis or mild flu-like symptoms, but otherwise do not produce any serious symptoms. The public is advised not to touch sick or dead animals. General hygiene measures, such as thorough handwashing with soap, must be followed after any direct or indirect contact.
Calls on social media channels to feed urban pigeons due to alleged food shortages in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown are strongly discouraged for disease-control reasons. On one hand, there is no food shortage in public spaces. On the other hand, a concentrated feeding site that attracts virus-carrying but still symptom-free pigeons represents a significant source of infection for uninfected pigeons.
Protective Measures for Carrier Pigeons and Poultry
Carriers of racing pigeons are advised to protect their flocks through vaccination (inactivated vaccine). Racing pigeon owners are requested to contact their veterinary practice for this purpose, as the Department of Health of Basel-Stadt announces.
Poultry can also be infected with pigeon paramyxovirus by infected pigeons. Poultry keepers are therefore advised to protect their chicken enclosures from contact with pigeons. No protective vaccine is approved for poultry. More about biodiversity and species conservation on wildbeimwild.com.
