Members & Visitors News

Serious Threat to Pigeons, the Poultry Industry and All Australian Pet and Aviary Bird Owners   UPDATE 25/02/2012    Paramyxovirus infection in pigeons:   PIGEONS Situation Analysis  There has been one new infected property this week.  A total of 72 properties have been infected to date. Of these, 50 have now been resolved.  There have been no new cases identified outside of Melbourne. There have been three more confirmed or suspect cases of Paramyxovirus 1 (PMV1) inferal pigeons, bringing the total to 74 cases.  All cases thus far have occurred in greater metropolitan Melbourne. The last confirmed case of PMV1 occurred on 17 February 2012. Natural infection has not been detected in chickens; single cases have occurred in a collared sparrow hawk and a spotted turtle dove.     DUCKS Situation Analysis LPAI (an H5N3 virus subtype) was confirmed on a duck property in outer Melbourne on 26 January 2012. The operations on this property are closely integrated with those on another property owned by the same company; both properties were declared infected premises, placed under quarantine and depopulated. The first property has been cleaned and disinfected and this process is continuing on the second property. Surveillance has been undertaken on all traces and all properties within the control zone surrounding both properties.  No further cases have been identified. If you have any information that may be of interest to others, please do not hesitate to contact:   Paul Gilchrist warraba@hotkey.net.au   Important Information for All Australian Aviculturists State Government of Victoria - Does the disease affect other birds? Avian paramyxovirus fact sheet for pigeon owners Fact sheet for bird owners Government of South Australia - Biosecurity Advice for all bird owners - Pigeon Paramyxovirus The United Bird Societies of South Australia - Special Issue - September 2011 Government of South Australia - Media Release - Pigeons Prohibited 14 September 2011 Vaccination of Pigeons for Avian Paramyxovirus (PMV1) Vaccination of Birds Against Avian Paramyxovirus - Permit required from NSW Dept of Primary Industries

HARRY CARR It is with saddness that we report that well known aviculturalist Harry Carr, passed away after several months battle with cancer on Friday, 27th January, 2012.  Harry was 83 years old.  Harry will be long remembered by all aviculturists who knew him or who knew of him.  Harry had a wealth of experience and knowlege in relation to the breeding of Australian softbills and native pigeons and doves and was always very willing to share his knowledge with others in the promotion and breeding of these birds.   Harry will be sadly missed by all in the "bird" world who knew him and who benefited from his knowledge and love of aviculture.  Our condolences are extended to his family and friends. Funeral Service: 11:00am on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 at Palm Chapel, Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium, Delhi and Plassey Roads, North Ryde NSW 2113.

2011 Christmas Party held at Featherdale Wildlife Park We met outside Featherdale at about 3:00pm and then once we were all gathered together in the picnic grounds our Featherdale guide, Michael, took as on a tour of the park.  We all enjoyed a great BBQ in the rainforest atmosphere of the picnic grounds at dusk.  Great food, great "birdie" friends and lots of raffle prizes.  Thanks to all those who were involved in making our 2011 Christmas Party a success.   Click here for a selection of photos and videos taken on the day!

Remembering - Mrs Terry Rolls    It is with saddness that we report the death last week of Mrs Terry Rolls at the age of 74 years. Terry and her husband, Barry, who passed away December 2004, were members of The Avicultural Society of NSW for in excess of 25 years.  Barry for most of that time was an office bearer combining Vice President, Ring Steward and Bird Exchange Steward.  He was also a Life Member.  Terry handled all our memberships as our Membership Secretary - her enthusiasm and accuracy were a real highlight and very much appreciated by our members. Terry also welcomed and hosted the monthly Committee Meeting at her home with Barry, and continued to do this despite losing Barry just before Christmas on the 15th December, 2004. Terry will be remembered and missed.  Our condolences are extended to her two children, Kelly and Aaron, and to their families and friends.   (Entry added 15th November, 2011)

Serious Threat to Pigeons, the Poultry Industry and All Australian Pet and Aviary Bird Owners     Paramyxovirus infection in pigeons:   Important Information for All Australian Aviculturists   State Government of Victoria - Does the disease affect other birds? Avian paramyxovirus fact sheet for pigeon owners Fact sheet for bird owners  Government of South Australia - Biosecurity Advice for all bird owners - Pigeon Paramyxovirus The United Bird Societies of South Australia - Special Issue - September 2011 Government of South Australia - Media Release - Pigeons Prohibited 14 September 2011 Vaccination of Pigeons for Avian Paramyxovirus (PMV1) Vaccination of Birds Against Avian Paramyxovirus - Permit required from NSW Dept of Primary Industries   The following are NSW and Victorian Situations Reports.   NSW Report Released/reviewed: 13 Sep 2011   A strain of Avian Paramyxovirus not previously found in Australia has been confirmed as causing deaths in a number of hobby pigeon flocks in Victoria.  The reported mortality rates in adult birds are between 50 and 100%.   Some of the flocks are linked by trading and some flocks were allowed to fly during the day.   There are no known traces to NSW at present but further tracing is underway.   At this stage, there are no reports of this virus causing disease in other states including NSW, in wild birds or other types of domestic or commercial birds.  Government animal health authorities have agreed to prioritise the investigation of pigeon and other bird holdings where disease is suspected and the quarantine of affected properties.   It is strongly recommended that shows, exhibitions and racing events involving pigeons be cancelled while the extent of the outbreak is being monitored. This will help reduce the risk of transmission to and amongst domestic pigeons.   Victoria situation report Date: 12 September 2011 Time: 1600 hrs   Issued by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries for the pigeon and related industries.   Situation Analysis: There are now 20 infected properties in Victoria. Over the past 24 hours 6 new infected properties have been identified. PMV1 has now been detected in both racing pigeons and fancy pigeons. No poultry or wild birds have tested positive to paramyxovirus. The VHA have cancelled all racing for the remainder of 2011. Advice for pigeon owners wishing to vaccinate their pigeons is attached. Background:   Since late August 2011, a paramyxovirus not previously reported in Australia has been detected in hobby pigeons on a number of properties in Victoria. Affected pigeon flocks have experienced high mortalities, associated with lethargy, gastrointestinal and neurological signs. The virus was confirmed as avian paramyxovirus type 1 by the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL). Actions taken in Victoria: The Incident Management Team (IMT) established at Attwood by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) continues with its primary objective of identifying the extent of the disease and limiting its spread where possible. Confirmed cases are located in Shepparton and outer suburbs of Melbourne, extending to the south east as far as Hoppers crossing, to the south west as far as Cranbourne and to the north as far as Epping. Investigations are being undertaken by DPI to determine possible links between known infected properties and to detect other affected properties. Reports of sick or dead birds from industry, veterinarians and the public are also being investigated by DPI. Movements of birds to and from known infected properties are being investigated to determine possible sources of infection and the extent of disease spread.  Further movements of birds from these properties are being restricted to limit the chances of further spread. Movement of infected birds appears to be the principal method that the disease has spread. Investigations to date suggest that other forms of spread, for example by feed, are not significant. DPI is strongly recommending that exhibitions, shows and races (including tossing) of pigeons be cancelled until further notice to limit mixing of birds whilst the extent of disease spread is determined. Owners and organisations are voluntarily complying which is commendable. Vaccination advice for pigeon owners wishing to vaccinate their pigeons is attached.  It is of paramount importance that the birds vaccinated are healthy and within healthy flocks, that the vaccine is used in consultation with a veterinarian, and that pigeon owners ensure high standards of biosecurity to limit the chance of introduction of infection into their flocks. An extensive media and communications effort has been undertaken to inform veterinarians, industry and the public about the incident, to increase awareness and provide information about what to look out for, who to contact and measures that can be undertaken to limit the risk to their birds. Information is being provided by media release, direct contact, the DPI website and email. To assist pigeon owners mitigate the risks, DPI is promoting good biosecurity practices and movement limitation. Suspected cases of paramyxovirus infection should be reported to the DPI by phoning 136 186. Dr Iain McLaren Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Victoria     If you have any information that may be of interest to others, please do not hesitate to contact:   Paul Gilchrist warraba@hotkey.net.au

Raymond ("Ray") Jack Naylor Well known aviculturalist and former Show Cage manufacturer, Ray Naylor from Orange NSW, passed away peacefully at Orange Base Hospital on Saturday, 12 March 2011.  Ray will be sadly missed by his family and friends.  Funeral Service: 11:30am on Wednesday, 16 March 2011 at Canobolas Gardens Crematorium, Lone Pine Avenue, Orange NSW In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Gouldian Finch Society

The Loss of a Well-Known Bird Man   Des Dowling died last Thursday, 20 January 2011.  Des was well known and respected amongst the bird people and was known for his knowledge and expertise caring for his birds.  His ability to share his knowledge with his many friends and fellow "birdies" resulted in increased successes in breeding and raising their birds. Des was a Life Member of The Avicultural Society serving on the Society's Committee, providing articles for the Avicultural Review and this website.  Des, became the first Life Member of the Associated Birdkeepers of Australia Inc., and continued to support the association in many and various ways.  Des will be sadly missed by all bird people who knew and shared with him, the hobby of birdkeeping. Funeral Service: 10:00am on Thursday, 27 January 2011 at Leppington Crematorium

Order of Australia Medal

Honours list for Stan Sindel Our heartiest congratualations go to club member Stan Sindel for his award the Order of Australia medal in the Australia Day Honour List. This is a wonderful recognigition for all the work Stan has done for the Parrots of Australia. His lectures and his books are legendary and full of accurate detail about each Australian Parrot both in the wild and in aviculture. Nobody is more deserving of this honour and all of us were very pleased and proud of his marvellous achievement. He will now be invited to Government House where the Governor will present the Award personally. ... from the editor ... (The Avicultural Review February 2003)

Stan Sindel Order of Australia Medal Australia Day Honours List 2003

March 2004 Annual Weekend away to Cessnock and the Hunter Valley Region in NSW Our weekend trip away for 2004 was to the beautiful Hunter Valley Region, Cessnock and surrounding areas. We visited lots of aviaries and some wineries too! Click here for member's article about our trip!

Members' Annual Weekend Away Wagga Wagga NSW 2002 We have one weekend away every year. In 2002 we visited Wagga Wagga and the surrounding district. We visited Wagga Wagga eight years previously and it was such a great trip we wanted to go again. Click here for member's article about our trip!

Club Member Bill Bentley ... Besides being a keen aviculturalist Bill is also a pigeon fancier ... racing pigeons that is! Starting as a youngster of 14 years of age his grandfather explained to him the amazing ability of the homing pigeon. With his parents permission, he constructed a small loft filling it with squeakers (baby pigeons about to fledge) from the wharves at Pyrmont and Darling Harbour (Sydney). Forty Years With Racing Pigeons ... an article written by Bill Bentley