12/7/2022 0 Comments Sitting pigeon![]() Author provided What have we got to lose?įortunately, neither PPMV1 nor G18P has crossed over to Australia’s native columbids. The risk is that these viruses will establish in feral pigeon populations and cause epidemics in our diverse and ecologically important wild native columbids (red arrow). Pigeon paramyxovirus and pigeon rotavirus are known to have escaped from captive domestic pigeons into feral domestic pigeons (black arrow). This virus has jumped from captive to feral domestic pigeon populations on several occasions, but fortunately has yet to establish in feral populations. PPMV1, although likely to have originated overseas, is now endemic in Australia. These diseases are notable because in captive domestic flocks they are both spectacularly lethal and difficult to control. In recent years, two notable infectious diseases have been found to affect our captive domestic pigeons: the pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV1) and a new strain of the pigeon rotavirus (G18P). Could Australia’s feral domestic pigeons become the vector for a dramatic decline of columbids – native species on which Australian ecosystems rely? Emerging viral epidemics These movements, together with poor biosecurity practices, mean that captive pigeons can and do mingle with feral domestic pigeons.Īnd here’s a paradox. Birds are also traded across the country and illegally from overseas. While most birds do navigate home, up to 20% will not return, of which some will join feral pigeon populations. Pigeon racing, for example, involves releasing captive birds hundreds of kilometres from their homes only so they may find their way back. Australia’s domestic pigeon population - both feral and captive - is large and interconnected by frequent local and interstate movements. The future of Australia’s native pigeons however, may depend on our domestic pigeons. The rose-crowned fruit-dove is not only beautiful but also plays an important role in dispersing seeds in Australian rainforests.
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