Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3404871.htm
Pigeon virus could mutate to other species
Hagar Cohen reported this story on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 08:09:00
EMILY BOURKE: Australia's chief vet says he's worried a deadly pigeon virus could mutate to chicken.
The paramyxovirus is believed to have been introduced to Australia last year through smuggled pigeons. It has now spread across pigeon populations in Victoria.
A vaccine isn't yet available in Australia, and there are concerns that the virus will spread even further.
The chief vet Dr Mark Schipp spoke to Hagar Cohen.
MARK SCHIPP: At the moment the virus is located in the Melbourne and greater area. It includes both domesticated pigeons and feral pigeons.
HAGAR COHEN: What about the virus mutating to other bird species...
Pigeon virus could mutate to other species
Hagar Cohen reported this story on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 08:09:00
EMILY BOURKE: Australia's chief vet says he's worried a deadly pigeon virus could mutate to chicken.
The paramyxovirus is believed to have been introduced to Australia last year through smuggled pigeons. It has now spread across pigeon populations in Victoria.
A vaccine isn't yet available in Australia, and there are concerns that the virus will spread even further.
The chief vet Dr Mark Schipp spoke to Hagar Cohen.
MARK SCHIPP: At the moment the virus is located in the Melbourne and greater area. It includes both domesticated pigeons and feral pigeons.
HAGAR COHEN: What about the virus mutating to other bird species...