An owner should prohibit visit to the loft by anyone in contact with unvaccinated pigeons and new birds (either purchased or lent for mating) should not be brought-in unless vaccinated at least 21 days previously

The incubation period for Pigeon Paramyxovirus may be a few days to several weeks. However, after infection with the wild virus, pigeons excrete the virus from the eye and in the droppings within 3-4 days. This means that infected birds can be a danger to others some days before their own symptoms appear. Excretion of wild virus from the infected bird continues for up to 6 weeks.

In addition to direct bird to bird contact at competitions and shows, the disease can be spread by indirect means such as hands, overalls, cap, boots and contaminated objects such as baskets and trucks.

The incubation period of Pigeon Pox is usually 5 to 15 days and the disease may manifest as crusty skin lesions around the eye, beak and on the feather follicles, or mucosal, diphtheroid lesions of the larynx or gullet. Virus may be excreted in saliva, nasal and eye secretions but rarely in the droppings, and is also present in crusty scab material from any skin lesions. Virus can be spread directly from bird to bird, or via feeding or drinking utensils or by other direct means. A pigeon from an infected loft can carry the pox virus and may infect other birds without itself showing signs of disease.

In any animal population there will be a small number of individuals which fails to respond fully to vaccination. Successful vaccination depends upon correct storage and administration of vaccine and the animal’s ability to respond. Immune competence can be influenced by genetic factors, intercurrent infection, age, nutritional status, concurrent drug therapy, stress, etc.

Maternally derived antibody (MDA) can interfere with the development of active immunity. Where it is likely that recent field infection or vaccination of the parent flock has stimulated a high antibody titre and consequently a high level of MDA, the timing of the vaccination programme should be planned accordingly. The advice of your veterinary surgeon may be sought in such cases.