The provincial department of agriculture’s veterinary laboratory services have warned poultry farmers, especially racing-pigeon owners, to make sure their birds are vaccinated against the dreaded Newcastle Disease (NCD).

Dr Piet Loock, veterinary laboratory services’ manager, issued an urgent press release on Monday, stating that their Makhado-branch had investigated two reports on an unusual phenomenon around the Alldays/Venetia mine area.

Farmers reported great numbers of wild pigeons being affected. The birds appeared to be very lethargic, partly paralysed and died in large numbers in their roosting places or where they sat on the ground.

“One owner remarked that it literally ‘rained pigeons’. Live birds were found on the ground or on the roads and they seemed to be unable to fly away or avoid being run over by cars,” says Loock. Necropsy findings were highly suggestive of Newcastle disease (NCD). The Onderstepoort Veterinary Laboratory confirmed pigeon paramyxovirus (which is Newcastle disease) in samples forwarded to them.

“Apart from poultry, NCD can affect other wild birds like pigeons, guinea fowl, pheasants, partridges, etc. Tame pigeons are also highly susceptible. Many kept-bird species are also susceptible but most just develop sub-clinical infections without any major symptoms. One general exception is cockatiels, which can also die acutely,” says Loock.

With the warning that poultry farmers should have their birds vaccinated, Loock also reminded pigeon owners that certain commercial NCD vaccines for pigeons require a mandatory rest period after vaccination. He also kindly requested the public to report any unusual bird deaths to their nearest state veterinarian.