Paramyxovirus (PMV) Infection in Racing Pigeons

Colombovac PMV and Nobilis PMV Vaccines 

Understanding and Managing Paramyxovirus (PMV) Infection in Racing Pigeons

Signs and Symptoms:

  1. Droppings: Wet, liquid, and greenish in color.
  2. Neurological Symptoms: Shaking, trembling wings, neck twisting (torticollis), severe imbalance, and inability to peck at food.
  3. General Unwellness: Increased water consumption, lethargy, and eventual death over a few days.

Transmission Risks:

  1. Close Contact: Unvaccinated pigeons are highly susceptible to infection, especially in close quarters.
  2. Contaminated Transport: Infection can spread via transporters that haven’t been properly cleaned or disinfected.
  3. Unclean Water Containers: Shared water sources in transporters can be a vector for the virus.

Preventative Measures:

  1. Vaccination: Use a licensed and authorized Paramyxovirus vaccine, such as Colombovac-PMV, which is the only vaccine currently authorized in the Republic of Ireland.
  2. Good Husbandry: Maintain cleanliness in pigeon lofts, ensure transporters and water containers are properly disinfected, and isolate new or sick pigeons.

Advice from Authorities:

  • Follow guidelines from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) UK and the Department of Agriculture in Ireland regarding vaccination practices.
  • Ensure that the vaccination used is authorized, such as the Colombovac-PMV by Zoetis in Ireland.

For more detailed guidance, refer to resources such as the Racing Pigeon  contact 

Diagnostic laboratory testing for racing pigeons https://racingpigeonlaboratorytesting.com/

 is highly recommended to accurately assess the health status of your birds. This testing is crucial for ensuring that your pigeons are in optimal condition, both for breeding and racing purposes. By identifying any underlying health issues early, you can implement targeted treatments and management strategies, leading to better overall health and performance.

Utilizing a specialized Racing Pigeon Laboratory Testing service allows you to monitor key health indicators such as bacterial infections, parasites, viruses, and nutritional deficiencies. Regular health checks through laboratory testing help prevent disease outbreaks and improve your pigeons' chances of success in both breeding and racing.

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