07.09.2011

A strain of Avian Paramyxovirus (Newcastle disease) not previously found in Australia has been confirmed as causing deaths in a number of hobby pigeon flocks in in the Goulburn Valley and is the likely cause of pigeon deaths in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne.
The reported mortality rates in adult birds are between 50 and 100%.
According to the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, the avian-paramyxovirus has already started killing some hobby birds, and threatens to spread to Victoria's chicken population.

There are currently no reported unusual disease events in Australian commercial or backyard poultry flocks, nor in wild birds.