NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has introduced a series of new biosecurity measures to protect the State’s pigeon industry, following the detection of Avian Paramyxovirus in a number of pigeon flocks in Victoria.
“The NSW Government has moved quickly to declare Avian Paramyxovirus as a notifiable emergency animal disease and has banned pigeon movements from Victoria into NSW,” NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ian Roth said.
“The declaration gives NSW extra powers to manage suspected cases and quarantine any infected properties.
“Under the new legislation, bird fanciers are now required to notify authorities if they suspect one of their pigeons has Avian Paramyxovirus.
“To protect NSW flocks from this deadly disease, all pigeon movements from Victoria into NSW, including for shows, racing events, and bird sales, are now prohibited.”
The above is taken from the NSW DPI site.
Before anybody takes birds from Victoria to NSW to use at trials you had better check with NSW DPI first unless you want to pay the fine. I think it's up to $22,000 and up to 12 months jail.
If this desease isn't controlled it might spell the end of using pigeons at retrieving trials as it has now identified in the feral bird population in Victoria.