Paramyxovirus

Paramyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1) is one of the most serious viral diseases of birds. In poultry it causes Newcastle disease, while in pigeons a special pigeon variant of the virus (PPMV-1) occurs. The disease attacks the digestive and nervous systems and spreads quickly among birds. In Croatia it is a notifiable disease that must be reported to the veterinary service.

The cause is avian paramyxovirus type 1. There are strains of varying severity: some cause mild problems, others mass deaths in poultry. The pigeon variant mostly affects pigeons, both feral and kept, but it can also be passed on to poultry and other birds.

The virus spreads:

• through direct contact between infected and healthy birds;
• through droppings and discharge from the beak and nose;
• through contaminated food, water and dishes;
• via the equipment, footwear, clothing and hands of people who have been near sick birds;
• at races, shows and fairs, where many birds gather.

It usually takes from a few days to two weeks from infection to the first signs. A bird can shed the virus even before it visibly falls ill, so the disease in a flock is often noticed only when several birds are already infected.

In pigeons the disease usually starts with digestive problems, and neurological signs appear a few days later. In poultry, depending on the virus strain, respiratory or neurological signs, a drop in egg production and sudden deaths predominate.

General and digestive signs:

• watery, profuse droppings: the bird urinates a lot, so the droppings are surrounded by a large puddle of liquid;
• loose, green or frothy droppings;
• increased thirst;
• loss of appetite, lethargy and apathy;
• ruffled feathers, the bird sits hunched.

Neurological signs:

• a twisted neck, the head turned upside down or thrown back towards the back;
• sudden jerking or tilting of the head, circling on the spot;
• trembling, tics and seizures;
• loss of balance, unsteady gait and falling over;
• the bird misses the grain when pecking, as if it cannot see well;
• paralysis of the wings or legs, inability to fly.

Respiratory and other signs (more common in poultry):

• difficulty breathing, rattling and nasal discharge;
• red, swollen eyes with discharge;
• drop in egg production, eggs with thin or misshapen shells.

Contact a vet without delay if you notice:

• watery droppings or neurological signs in several birds at the same time;
• a twisted neck, seizures or paralysis of the wings or legs;
• that the bird cannot eat or drink by itself;
• sudden deaths in the flock or a sudden drop in egg production in hens;
• difficulty breathing or open-beak breathing.

Before you go, phone the clinic and say that you suspect an infectious disease. That way they can prepare and prevent the virus spreading to other birds in the waiting room.

Newcastle disease, i.e. infection with paramyxovirus type 1, is notifiable in Croatia. If you suspect the disease in pigeons or poultry, contact your vet or the veterinary inspectorate, who will decide on further action.

Do not touch sick or dead wild birds, including feral pigeons, with bare hands. Note the location of the find and report it to the veterinary service or the veterinary inspectorate.

The diagnosis cannot be made from symptoms alone, as salmonellosis, poisoning or vitamin B deficiency can cause similar signs. The vet takes a throat or cloacal swab or a droppings sample, and the disease is confirmed by a laboratory test.

There is no medicine that destroys paramyxovirus. Treatment is supportive: the bird is helped to survive while its body fights the virus. The vet may prescribe medication against secondary bacterial infections, electrolytes and vitamin preparations. Many pigeons survive with good care, but recovery takes weeks, sometimes several months. A twisted neck may remain or come back under stress.

First aid and care:

• separate the sick bird in its own room, away from other birds;
• place it in a warm, dark and quiet box or low-sided cage with soft bedding, so that it does not injure itself if it falls;
• put down a shallow dish of water and food so that the bird can reach them even when it cannot keep its balance;
• never push food into the beak or pour in water, as the bird can inhale the liquid;
• if the bird cannot eat by itself, have the vet show you how to feed it;
• care for the sick bird last, wearing gloves, and afterwards wash your hands and change your clothes.

Most wild birds in Croatia are protected by law. Hand over a sick wild bird to a vet or a wildlife rescue centre, as it may not be kept at home for a long time.

• Vaccinating pigeons and poultry on your vet's advice is the most effective protection, especially for pigeons that go to races and shows.
• Keep new birds separate for several weeks before adding them to the flock.
• Prevent contact with feral and wild birds: keep food and water under a roof and protect openings with netting.
• Regularly clean and disinfect the pigeon loft or hen house, dishes and equipment.
• Do not lend equipment and transport baskets to other breeders.
• After visiting a fair or someone else's flock, change your clothes and wash your hands before going in to your own birds.

The risk to humans is small. People in close contact with large amounts of virus, for example when working with infected poultry, can rarely develop temporary conjunctivitis. Still, protect yourself:

• wear gloves when working with sick birds;
• wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and do not touch your eyes;
• do not sweep droppings dry – dampen them before cleaning so that no dust is raised.

If you get red, inflamed eyes or flu-like symptoms after contact with sick birds, see a doctor and tell them you have been in contact with sick birds.

Paramyxovirus is a serious and highly contagious disease, but many birds survive with calm, warm care and help from a vet. The most important things are to separate a sick bird immediately, report any suspicion to a vet and vaccinate pigeons and poultry regularly.