Bio-security News

Show promoting societies are asked to note the following :-

                             At the Spring Event, it was noted that birds to be handled reacted with considerable show of panic, at the sight of the Judges’ gloved hands.  It has therefore been decided that if they so prefer, fanciers can use the hand sterilising solutions instead, but these must still be applied afresh between each bird handled.

THE BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY SPRING SHOW 24th/25th April 2004.THE DOME DONCASTER.

 ENTRIES SALES CLASSES 296 COMPETITION CLASSES 740

          Lincolnshire & East Anglia Budgerigar And Foreign Bird Society.

                                              OPEN

                                 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

                             For 2003 Owner Bred birds only

                                               ON

                                           SUNDAY

                                        9th May 2004

                                                At

                                Village Hall, Watlington Norfolk.

                       Held in association by the following Society’s.

                 Norwich & Norfolk BS, Peterborough & South Lincs BS.

                          Waverney Valley BC & West Norfolk BC

                           Judges Engaged:-I J Bonner AV J Hayes

                      ENTRIES CLOSE:  SUNDAY 2nd May 2004

                                 ORGANISING COMMITTEE

            SHOW MANAGER:Mr COLIN NEWSON  01406 424726

                 BlO SECURITY:Mr GRAHAM HILL 01945 582099

               SHOW COMMITTEE:Mr ALEC DIGBY 01603 403489

                           Mr COLIN HARVEY 07887 587010

                           Mr BRIAN WILSON  01328 864456

                        Mr DAVE LEADBETTER 01760 724620

                            Mr DOUG AUSTIN 01603 457809

              SHOW SECRETARY: Mr M CHAPMAN 01406 330367

                                              ENTRIES TO

                                          Mr M CHAPMAN

                                           5 MOLE DROVE,

                                              GEDNEY HILL,

                                              Nr. SPALDING,

                                                     LINCS.

                                                   PE12 OPB

                                              Tel 01406 330367

       TELEPHONE ENTRIES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED BETWEEN

               6.OOPM & 1O.OOPM OF THE NIGHT OF CLOSURE.

TELEPHONE ENTRIES MUST BE CONFIRMED WITH A SIGNED ENTRY

    (HEALTH STATEMENT) FORM THROUGH THE POST MARKED

           “CONFIRMATION ONLY” ALONG WITH PAYMENT.

                     ENTRIES CLOSE: SUNDAY 2nd May 2004

                       ENTRY FEE : 4Op per cage for the first ten

                                   birds then above ten are free,

             CHEQUES & POSTAL ORDERS should be made payable to

                     PETERBOROUGH & SOUTH LINCS B.S

                       Please enclose a S.A.E. with you entry form.

              BOOKING-IN of birds: 9am Till lO.00am Sunday 9th May.

                 JUDGING WILL COMMENCE AT 1030am SHARP.

Another Confirmed Case 

I write to advise that another case of Reovirus has been confirmed by Dr Baker and Ruth Manville. This case is in a Member’s Stud in the South Northants Area and the member has lost over 50% of his Stud. Once again, new birds had been introduced and the original Guidelines were not followed and with no proper quarantine carried out. While this is the fourth confirmed case since mid-November 2003 it is important to remind those fanciers you come into contact with that the Spring Event in Doncaster on 24-25 April 2004 is going ahead.

Another Confirmed Case   It is with regret that we have to inform you that Dr Baker has advised us of another new confirmed case of Reovirus in West Yorkshire.

S P E C I A L  N O T I C E

  To All Budgerigar Society Members

It is with much regret that I have to inform you that Dr Baker has again advised us of a new confirmed case of Reovirus in a BS member’s stud in the South Yorkshire area. Both this case and the earlier reported case in the Teesside area are both completely new, and it is unfortunate that in both cases the fanciers had failed to quarantine new purchases and follow the Guidelines circulated by the Society to all members.I would again continue to urge caution with the movement of birds at this time and remind you all of the recent Guidelines issued at the end of October which were issued in an attempt to curtail further outbreaks.Please note that members not registered with the Veterinary Diagnostic Scheme using the service will be charged at the full commercial rate by Dr Baker.The future of the Fancy is in your hands please observe the Guidelines.  I  take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year and hope that with caution and care 2004 will be a better year for all

Cage & Aviary Birds December 6 2003 issue

I refer to the comment in Cage & Aviary December 6 2003, page 5 “The Return of reovirus”. I wish to make it quite clear that the only action taken by The Budgerigar Society in respect of this recent confirmed case is to notify all members and draw attention to the previously circulated guidelines.  The inference that we have put into place emergency measures to confine the outbreak to the Teeside area, and that Club, Show and Sale organisers in and outside the area have been asked not to include Teeside budgies in their listings for the next three months is not true. I can confirm as promised The Budgerigar Society is looking at Guidelines and Rule changes for implementation in the new year that will, give if approved by the membership, the power to implement exclusion zones in the event of further outbreaks. I must at this point advise that The Budgerigar Society stand will still be in attendance at the National Cage & Aviary Bird Exhibition at the NEC this weekend.

New Outbreak Confirmed

It is with regret that I have to inform you that Dr Baker has advised us of a new confirmed case of Reovirus in a BS members stud in the Teeside area of North East England. I would continue to urge caution with the movement of birds at this time and remind you of the recent guidelines issued at the end of October.

Guidelines for a managed return for the Budgerigar Fancy

There is little doubt that 2003 has been a challenging time for the Budgerigar Fancy, mainly due to the Budgerigar Virus. During the early part of the year a few studs were affected and by the Council meetings in May, it seemed to have disappeared.Unfortunately, by mid June, there were a couple of new out-breaks and we were under the impression the virus was spreading. At that time we were only days away from the commencement of the show season, and important decisions had to be made quickly. The General C3tmcil, on a paper vote, decided to withdraw patronage for the whole show season. All societies were contacted and were told of the decision. At the October General Council meetings, following veterinary advice, we re-considered the situation. It was agreed to hold firm on the decision not to award patronage to any shows until the new show season in 2004. However, as there had been no further, new confirmed outbreaks since mid July, it was considered reasonable that the movement of Budgerigars could take place under carefully considered guidelines. At this stage, it has to be recommended that birds are not bought and sold unless really necessary. If you do need to bring new birds into your stud, you should consider if it is worth the risk. Perhaps the risks are minimal when purchasing from a private breeder but buying at bird sales and from dealers who are likely to have acquired birds from a number of sources, should be considered carefully. Where a number of birds from different breeding establishments are brought together, the risk of cross infection is greatly increased. The overall guideline for the next few months has to be to proceed with extreme caution. The virus has been identified with the support of DEFRA as a reovims, but no cure is suggested and further testing is still taking place. There are a number of products that have appeared in the marketplace as “wonder-cures” but again, following veterinary advice; none have been endorsed by our veterinary support. However, certain products have been found to be good general purpose, anti-viral disinfectants. Products such as F1OSC and Virkon S are worthy of members careful consideration in the absence of anything known to be better.

Transmission of the Reovirus

 It is not completely clear how this virus is transmitted, however, a lot of knowledge is available on how similar viruses are spread.

The droppings from infected birds will carry the virus.

The virus can be highly resistant to environmental conditions, hence the need to disinfect and constantly keep the birdroom clean.

The virus can be spread from bird to bird.

Food and water are likely to become contaminated.

The spread of the virus could be by mechanical means, such as fans, air filters and the movement of cages and nest-boxes etc.

Safe & Hygienic disposal of all infected stock is vitally important.

 Guidelines for Birdroom Hygiene

 It is vital to keep birdrooms clean and tidy and dust to a minimum at all times.

It is vital that clean food is purchased from a reputable source and water is available at all times.

Containers for food and water should be cleaned on a regular basis.

All food should be stored in vermin and waterproof containers.

Good disinfection of cages, equipment and flights is important.

Consider a disinfected mat at the entrance to a birdroom or aviary.

Avoid wild bird and small mammal contact, such as rats and mice. Cover all outside flights to reduce the risk of any droppings from wild birds entering the flights.

When Budgerigars are purchased, make sure they come from a healthy birdroom where there are no current problems. Never buy a bird that looks unwell and out of condition.

Quarantine ALL new birds in a building well away from the main birdroom for at least 30 days. To prevent cross contamination tend to all new birds separately. Wear different clothes when tending the quarantined birds.

It is important to watch your birds carefully, be aware of any problems and be prepared to use the services of the Veterinary and Diagnostic Service through the BS Office. All consultations are in total confidence but it is really important to seek help when it is needed.

 Movement of Stock

 Never sell birds if you have the slightest doubt that they could be unwell.

Only buy birds if it is really necessary, as there is still a limited risk.

Only buy birds that appear fit and healthy.

Only purchase stock from a reputable source.

Exercise extreme caution when buying and introducing new birds into your birdroom.

Quarantine all new birds for at least 30 days.

 Further Guidelines will be issued shortly on the following items

Guidelines for Shows and Exhibiting.

Guidelines for Show Promoters.

 Future Outbreaks including possible exclusion zones.

 All fanciers should approach the next few months with caution. It is important to be highly aware of the potential problem that another outbreak would create. It is vital to get back to breeding Budgerigars, showing them for the 2004 show season and moving the Budgerigar Fancy on from a difficult 2003.

 The General Council are grateful to members and other keepers of Budgerigars for following the recommendations set down by the society since June this year. We will never be sure, but there are clear indications that by everyone supporting the recommendations, we have currently brought the disease under control. It would now be unwise to disregard these new guidelines and jeopardise all the good work of recent months.

 The Council is convinced it can rely on your continued support and hopes that everyone can look forward to a much better 2004 season

General Council Meeting 4 October 2003

The meeting commenced with a presentation by both Dr John Baker and Ruth Manvell the virologist working on the current virus at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency on behalf of DEFRA. A full report of that presentation will be published in due course.

It was confirmed that there had been no further cases reported to them since mid July but both Dr Baker and Ruth Manvell urged caution with regard to both showing and the movement of your birds for the foreseeable future. However the General Council were mindful that many of you have stock that you need to move on and that overcrowding could have the potential to induce stress etc. Guidelines will be issued to enable the movement of birds where the need arises. It is also recognised that further outbreaks could come about as a result of stress and the next few months during the breeding season will be a testing time for all.

Following the presentation the General Council made the following decisions.

1.            Confirmation that no Patronage will be awarded for the 2003 show season which ends on 31 January 2004. All patronages allocated for the 2003 show season will be honoured in 2004. Societies with any changes to judges, dates and venues must notify the BS. Schedules produced for 2003 with amendments to dates etc. will be acceptable for 2004. Any new applications for Patronage will need to be sent to the BS office by 28 February 2004.

2.         A committee has been appointed to review and issue various guidelines for the managed return for the hobby.  Subjects include, Aviary Hygiene, Show Promoters, Exhibitors and movement of stock together with a directive for future outbreaks (including exclusion zones). These areas have been prioritised and the guidelines on the movement of Stock and Aviary hygiene will be issued to every member by the end of October 2003.

3.         Status – It was agreed that as there were no shows exhibitor status will remain the same as at the start of the cancelled 2003 Show Season.

4.            Subsidiary Judges – Again as there were no shows the subsidiary judges time on the scheme will be extended by one year.

5.         Show Cages – The question of the life of the old Show Cage was considered, however it was pointed out that its replacement was structured over a 10 year period and that the date January 2006 for its replacement stands.

6.            Hamsters – The rumour that the virus has crossed over into Pet Hamsters is just that - pure rumour. The re-teller of that story was obviously not listening when Ruth Manvell explained  that hamsters had been used for the purposes of growing reovirus’s, in an attempt to trace the origins of the current virus in budgerigars.  

7.         To launch the start of the 2004 show season a decision was taken to stage a one off National “Spring Show” on the weekend of  the 24 – 25 April 2004 at The Dome Doncaster catering for “2003” rung birds. Once the Special Events committee have met full details will be published. At this time there is ample hotel accommodation in Doncaster so those of you intending to support the event are encouraged to make your booking now.

Finally, at all times the decision whether to buy or sell birds is that of the individual however I must emphasise the need to follow the recommended guidelines, which will be issued later this month. Once again I take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and understanding at this very stressful time in the history of keeping and breeding budgerigars.

Grant D Findlay Chairman

P.S.      Date for your diary - to celebrate the society’s “80th Anniversary” The General Council agreed to a Convention for 2005 at the magnificent venue of “Stoke Rochford Hall” just outside Grantham during the weekend of 24 – 26 June 2005. Again details will be published shortly.

8 October 2003

REOVIRUSES

These viruses are members of the family Reoviridae. In which there are three general Orthoreovirus, Orbivirus and Rotavirus. All of these can affect birds but the first Orthoreovirus is far and away themost important and is the main one considered in this summary. Details of most aspects of the infection in domestic poultry will not be considered, as it is rather different from that seen in cage birds.

Orthoreovirus

Orthoreoviruses have been found in birds in the USA, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, West Africa, Indonesia and Bolivia. The disease has been seen in psittacines (African greys are particularly prone to the disease), finches, pheasants, pigeons, raptors (falcons, hawks and eagles) geese, ducks, poultry and quail. A number of strains of the virus exist, at least 11, and probably many more. The virulence of different strains varies. Some are relatively harmless while others are potentially fatal - the mortality rate in African grey parrots ranges from 10% to 100%. The virus can be transmitted between different species of birds. In one experiment it was isolated from a healthy bird of one species but when given to two other unrelated species it caused disease.

The incubation period is between two and nine days with death occurring suddenly or after an illness of up to 18 days. There may be numerous birds dying over a few days, or deaths may occur daily over a long period. The clinical features in psittacines are many and varied, but are principally associated with inflammation of the liver and enteritis giving depression, anorexia, weight loss and diarrhoea. Other signs recorded are anaemia, haemorrhages, abdominal swelling, difficulty in breathing, nasal discharge, incoordination, paralysis, inflammation of the eye, swelling of the head and pneumonia. Obviously an individual bird will not show all these symptoms.

One important aspect of this virus is that it is frequently isolated from healthy birds which are symptom free.

The main post-mortem findings in psittacines are swelling and mottling of the liver and spleen and enteritis. It is of interest to note that these changes are the same as those of polyomavirus, paramyxovirus, adenovirus and Pacheco’s disease.

There is a strong possibility that at least some of the strains of the virus are able to Depress the immune system, rendering the birds prone to other diseases - so-called secondary infections. In psittacines those recorded are Escherichia coli and salmonella infections, psittacosis and fungal diseases.

Birds which survive the infection may become carriers; this has been confirmed in chickens and there is circumstantial evidence for it in psittacines. Also, as noted the virus is frequently isolated from normal symptom free birds with no history or previous illness. Carriers excrete the virus intermittently and there are no tests for the detection of carriers.

The virus is transmitted by the droppings and in nasal discharges. Budgerigars can ingest it by eating faeces, which they do on occasion, and by faecal contamination of food or water. Also, if the droppings dry and dust is formed this has known to be infectious so that the spread by airborne infection is also known to occur. This dust can get onto people, in the hair and clothing for example, so that it can spread from stud to stud this way. In poultry it can also get in through the soles of the feet if skin in this site is damaged but this has not been shown to happen in cage and aviary birds. Also in poultry the disease can be transmitted via the egg to the next generation although this has again not been seen in psittacines except, possibly, in lories.

The virus is extremely stable and will last for a long time in environment it will resist the normal concentration of many commonly used disinfectants and will survive heating to 60C (140F). It is extremely stable in faeces and nasal discharge the population of the virus can be reduced by prolonged exposure to high concentrations of the common disinfectants but it is extremely difficult to get rid of it totally Chlorhexidine (in Saniclens and other propriety agents) in the drinking water for 30 days may reduce the numbers of the virus.

A vaccine for poultry is available but is of little or no value in other species as the strains of the virus in poultry are almost always different from those in cage and aviary birds. (I doubt if these vaccines are available in the UK) An experimental vaccine has been used with a degree of success in parrots in the USA. There is no treatment for the condition other than nursing care such as keeping the bird warm as possible (up to 30C - 86F provided the bird

can move away from the heat if it wishes to do so) and making sure it does not get dehydrated.

As this disease can mimic many others it is essential to get the diagnosis confirmed or refuted so that a check can be made on the progress or otherwise of the disease and to see when it disappears, as it almost certainly will do in time.

Steps need to be taken to limit the spread of this disease. First and foremost fanciers who suspect that they have an infection should not sell or give away birds and at the relevant time of the year, must not exhibit them. Fanciers thinking of buying birds should give careful thought as to whether they need to do so at the present time. If birds have to be purchased one should buy from one or two known healthy studs which themselves have not purchased birds recently, this will limit the spread compared with buying from all sorts of unknown places. Buying, selling and exhibiting should not start again until, at a minimum, there have been no new cases for three months. Any birds which have been purchased from what ever source need to be quarantined for at least 30 days but even this is not guaranteed to work because of the problem of carrier birds. All the bird accommodation needs to be kept as clean as possible. Physically removing the virus by thorough cleaning is desirable as the virus is so difficult to kill and this should be followed by a known vermicidal disinfectant and this should be left on as long as possible. There should be no traffic between one bird room and another, such as popular aviary visits, to avoid carrying the infections from one to another on clothing and footwear and also about the person.

Orbiviruses

There is a single report of these in a budgerigar that died after a brief illness characterised by diarrhoea and depression.

Rotavirus

This has been recorded in a love bird where its significance was doubtful. It has not been isolated from budgerigars.

The information in the summary was obtained for the most part from the chapter Reoviridae in ‘Avian viruses, function and control’ by B W Ritchie, published by Wingers Publishing Inc. in 1995.

Dr J Baker 3 September 2003

Virus Identified

Further news has been received from VLA (DEFRA) Laboratories in Weybridge who have been conducting the main investigations on the virus over the past few months. After they sent samples to the same labs in Europe that helped deal with the recent SARS virus in humans they have made a breakthrough.

They have now stated that the virus is not Paramyxovirus Type 5 as originally indicated, however, in the majority of samples a Reovirus like agent has been revealed. The examinations are at an early stage with this breakthrough and further studies are in progress.

Reovirus is an extremely complex virus that has been associated with Hepatitis, Diarrhoea and Mortality in several species of Parrots, in particular African Greys. VLA was not aware of any reports describing the presence of Reovirus-like agents in Budgerigars until now.

Once more information is received on Reovirus we may be in a position to consider an isolation period of say 90 days before we recommend that bird movements can re-commence. Similar to the yardstick used for “Foot & Mouth”.

We refer to the item dated 28 August 2003 regarding the new case in the Worcestershire area. We understand from Dr Baker that the individual concerned is not a BS/Area Society member and that their stud has been infected for a number of weeks with in excess of 120 birds lost. Dr Baker has today advised that the person has dealt exclusively with a local vet and only contacted Dr Baker late last week of the situation. It was at this time when he learned of the symptoms he assumed that we had another confirmed case although I should point out he now advises that he has not seen any samples at the present time.

Finally according to Dr Baker the suspected cases in West Yorkshire and Central Scotland still remain unconfirmed. As soon as any further news is received we will communicate this to you. Cage & Aviary Birds will cover this news item as their main feature in this week’s issue.

Another confirmed case

It is with regret that another confirmed outbreak of the virus in the Worcestershire area, also advised of a further two suspected outbreaks one in West Yorkshire and one in Central Scotland  as yet these two cases are unconfirmed.

Below is an email I have received from a Beginner.

As a new member this year to the budgerigar society I was devastated when going into my birdroom on 25thJuly I found 6 of my birds dead, other birds were puffed up on the bottom of the cages and had diarrhea, were shaking and looked as if they had been chewing their feet. On the 26th I lost another 5, 7 on the 27th, and 9 on the 28th. On the 28th I was talking to my mother, Mary Rose also a breeder, about the loss of my birds. I also told her that if I lost them all I would not have the heart to start up again as I had already invested so much money into my birds and could not afford to start all over again. She gave me a product to try called BM318 which she had got from Mr. C.J. Leask in Fife. The same day, 28th July, I started giving it to my birds. To my delight when I again went into my birdroom on the 29th July I had only lost 1 bird. It is now August 3rd and I have had no more deaths.My birds are now lively, eating well and back to making plenty of noise which they had not been doing. As far as I am concerned it was the BM318 that brought about this recovery as it was the only thing different that I had been giving them. My thanks go to Mary Rose for letting me try this product and to Mr. C.J. Leask for having it on the market. Maybe if more breeders had known about this product there would not have been so many deaths in the fancy.

Gail Jennings     J2870

New lab joins budgie virus search

AN UNNAMED international laboratory has been asked to help identify the virus that has caused deaths in budgie studs across Great Britain.

            The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), which is working on the virus at its Weybridge site, has called in outside help, having so far failed to put a name to the bug.

            A VLA spokesman told Cage & Aviary Birds this week that it had recruited an international laboratory which "has complementary tools to those at the VLA".

The VLA has been able to isolate cytopathic (cell killing) agent from five affected birds, but the virus yield has been too low to allow traditional identification methods.

Techniques tried to date by the VLA include serological assays, electron microscopy, biological assays and molecular techniques, but all have been inconclusive.  

            The fact that techniques for identifying avian paramyxovirus type 5 (APMV-5) - which is the prime suspect for the outbreaks - are not well developed is not making the scientists' work any easier.

Budgerigar virus: the facts

                                         Donald Taylor Editor Cage & Aviary Birds

There are many misapprehensions surrounding the current outbreak of budgie virus. Here, Donald Taylor, editor of Cage & Aviary Birds and president of the Society for the Protection of Aviculture (SPA) answers your most common questions.

What is budgie virus?

Budgerigar virus, or Kunitachi virus, to give it its proper name, is one of nine avian paramxyxoviruses (APMVs). Scientists refer to this particular virus as APMV-5.

Has it been positively identified?

Not yet, but most of the other eight viruses in the family have now been ruled out. Just as with the flu virus, avian viruses mutate and develop subtypes, so what we are looking for is a subtype of APMV-5. It will be early August at the earliest before this can be isolated.

What are the symptoms?

The birds become lethargic and have diarrhoea, with many also showing nervous symptoms and appear to shiver and/or with head pushed back. Small number of birds vomit. Death is very quick from 1 – 3 days.

What are the post mortem findings?

The bird's intestines get congested, and the liver becomes covered with small white spots, the spleen also swells. Most infected birds die.

What birds does it affect?

APMV-5 is highly specific to budgies and lorikeets, though all members of the parrot family (Psittacines) can be affected. It does not affect any other type of bird (eg.canaries, British birds, foreign finches and softbills, raptors, quail, pheasants, poultry, pigeons and waterfowl are unaffected).

Have we had it before?

Yes, there was an outbreak in the UK in 1993. The virus was first reported in Kunitachi, Japan in 1978 and has also been reported in Australia.

Is there a cure?

No. Despite various claims to the contrary, nothing will touch a virus except a vaccine, and there is no vaccine for APMV-5. What we can do, though, is control secondary infections. Sick birds should be isolated, kept in the warm (80degF), given plenty of fluids and be boosted with an appropriate nutritional supplement. Healthy birds have better disease resistance, so products that promote healthy gut bacteria over time, such as prebiotics, probiotics and colloidal silver, ought to help.

Are there any other diseases confusing the picture?

Yes. The warm, humid weather has encouraged the spread of bacteria from bird tables to aviaries and bird rooms and it is this that is causing the disease that many confuse with budgie virus. Sulphur-based drugs from your vet will help, as will the measures above, but the real cure for bacterial infections is higher hygiene standards.  

How is the disease spread?

By bird to bird contact, by human contact, by mosquitoes, midges and mites and, just possibly, by pigeons, as all outbreaks of budgie virus (APMV-5) coincide with outbreaks of the more serious pigeon virus (APMV-1).

How can budgie virus be controlled?

In the long term, retain any birds that survive, as this will introduce some resistance to the disease. In the short term adopt higher health standards, quarantine sick birds and look after them as if they are in a neighbour's aviary: don't move birds, protect outdoor flights with mosquito netting, thoroughly disinfect all premises and equipment, use a separate set of clothes and shoes for each set of birds, and install disinfectant mats at points of entry and exit.

Should I attend a show or sale?

The Budgerigar Society recommends that its members and all budgerigar fanciers do not attend shows/meetings and other members aviaries etc. to avoid mixing with each other. The Society has withdrawn its patronage to all shows for the 2003 season so there should be no budgerigars to see. However at Cage Bird society shows there may very well be budgerigar keepers present, so change, wash and disinfect clothes and footwear on your return home.

Should I stage a show or sale?

Certainly not one with budgies or other small Psittacines at the present time. Other birds are unaffected, but common sense precautions should apply. For example, preparations for the National Exhibition are continuing as usual, and the committee in charge will take a view of the health situation nearer the time, but insurance is in place in case it has to be scaled down or stopped. If strict health measures are applied now, the outbreak will be short-lived and the more distant shows can safely take place.

Should I buy, sell or move a bird?

Be very wary with budgies and small Psittacines. If you need fresh stock, buy from a stud that is free of the disease and has not bought in birds recently. Do not sell or move birds if you have had a recent outbreak or suspect an outbreak.

How can this disease be controlled?

Budgie virus, or APMV-5, unlike APMV-1 (Newcastle Disease) is not a notifiable disease and does not therefore attract the kind of compulsory movement restrictions and slaughter policies associated with Newcastle disease and foot and mouth disease. Control measures are therefore entirely voluntary. However, the Fancy is united in supporting the BS initiative to stamp out the disease quickly through the steps outlined above.

!8th July 2003 00:49

The New Budgerigar Disease 

The Budgerigar Society is still waiting definite confirmation of what type of PMV virus has been affecting a very small number of Budgerigar studs.

Dr Baker has indicated that the virus is probably Type 5, which only affects Psittacines, and unfortunately there is no known cure of this type of PMV at the present time.

Fanciers are strongly encouraged to respect the previous advice given by Dr Baker and not attend any bird event or mix with other fanciers. This is the best way to isolate and avoid the spread of the virus.

A number of companies and individuals have contacted the Society with potential cures and/or prevention remedies for the virus. The Society is grateful for this, however, until the exact virus is known cannot endorse or recommend any such products at the present time.

Once definite confirmation of the virus has been received this site will be up-dated and all members advised. Meantime, thanks to all members of the Society for their patience, support and understanding at this time.

9 July 2003

Sheffield B S

Monthly meeting 24th July 8pm 2003

All Fanciers are welcome

At Sheffield Lane WMC

Hatfield House Lane

Sheffield

Special Guest Speaker C J Leask

All his products will be on sale at the meeting

Also on sale Disinfectant Door mates approx size 18inch x 20inch £30 00 each

Further Details from Phil Reaney Tel 0114 2492740 Mobile 079 70 880 990

The New Budgerigar Disease

Dr Baker has advised that since the membership has become more aware of the situation they are speaking to him more freely and sharing information. He is also receiving more specimens which will greatly assist in identifying the disease and members should continue to contact the Office and or Dr Baker direct to continue this trend.

He has indicated the disease is very probably caused by a Paramyxovirus infection (PMV) however he still awaits confirmation of this.

There are at least 9 types of Paramyxovirus and in many of these there are a large number of subtypes, all of which can infect birds. The classical type affecting budgerigars is type 5 (also known as Kinitachi virus) which caused high mortality in aviaries in Japan in the mid 1970’s; there was also a small outbreak of this in the UK in 1993. Budgerigars are also susceptible to PMV type 1 which is the cause of Newcastle disease, there is a subtype of type 1 which affects pigeons; homing pigeons have to be vaccinated against this if they take part in competitions. Two fanciers have independently commented on the large number of domestic pigeons around at the time of the outbreak but this may just be coincidence, PMV2 and PMV3 have also been seen in psittacine birds including budgerigars.

Dr Baker further advises that it is important to identify the type of PMV involved and this will be done. If it is type 1 of either the Newcastle disease type or the pigeon type vaccination should be available with commercially available vaccines, although these are not licensed for for budgerigars but this should not be a major problem. Indeed one fancier who almost certainly has the disease has very recently vaccinated his birds with the pigeon vaccine, it will be very interesting to see how he gets on. There is no treatment for the other types apart from supportive therapy.

There is no information on carriers with regard to PMV5 or the other strains in psittacines. In domestic poultry carriers do occur but not usually beyond two months after infection although prolonged carriage for over a year has been reported. The strain of PMV1 affecting pigeons does produce carriers but not for more than one month after infection.    

Dr Baker has also confirmed that the disease is transmitted “bird to bird” and it can be carried on shoes and clothing. Extreme care should be taken in this respect at all times.

Further information will be communicated as soon as we receive it from Dr Baker and I once again thank you for your support over this stressful period.

20 June 2003

PET OWNERS OF BUDGERIGARS

Following the recent publicity, both in the media and press, the society would like to reassure existing pet owners of budgerigars that their bird/s are unlikely to contract this virus. However, if you are contemplating the purchase of a budgerigar you must seek reassurance from the seller that the bird/s are virus and disease free prior to making the purchase.

20 June 2003

YORKSHIRE BS NORTHERN BS AND SCOTTISH BS

We are advised that the Yorkshire BS Northern BS and Scottish BS have withdrawn patronage to all shows in line with the decision taken by The Budgerigar Society for the 2003 Show Season. The three societies have cancelled their Area Championship Shows

The disease currently has no known cure

A mysterious virus has killed up to 1,000 budgerigars on Teesside.

It is feared the disease - which has baffled bird specialists - has already spread with unconfirmed reports of the incurable disease in other parts of the UK.

The Budgerigar Society is recommending its members do not take part in competitions and events over concerns it could become more widespread.

It is thought the Teesside outbreak could be linked to an emergence of the disease in other parts of the country at the end of last year which bird experts thought had been contained.

Breeder Gerald Rawlings, 49, from Middlesbrough, lost 228 birds in just 12 days last month.

It is the budgerigar equivalent of foot-and-mouth disease   Gerald Rawlings, breeder

He said: "I went away for the weekend and when I called my wife on the Sunday she said four had died, which was unusual.

"When I went into my shed on Monday morning eight more had died and within 12 days I had lost all 228.

"I was absolutely devastated. Keeping budgies was my life.

"Once it gets into your aviary that's it, it wipes out all your birds."

Mr Rawlings said he knew of another breeder in Middlesbrough who lost 96 birds to the disease and a champion breeder who had lost more than 500.

He added: "As far as I know, there are another four breeders that have had it and have been wiped out.

"All it takes is one infected bird brought in and it infects all of the aviary.

"It is the budgerigar equivalent of foot-and-mouth disease."

Serious effects

Bird specialist Dr John Baker, a former lecturer at Liverpool University in veterinary pathology, examined some of Mr Rawlings birds and confirmed it was the mystery disease.

He is carrying out more tests on behalf of the Budgerigar Society and said it was still uncertain how the disease spreads.

Dr Baker said: "The disease is characterised by a very high death rate and in one case in a large stud birds were dying at the rate of six birds a day.

"It appears to be either stressful or immunosuppressive as the dying birds frequently have other, secondary, conditions.

"If this disease becomes widespread in the budgerigar population, which is not yet the case, the effects could be serious.

"Steps need to be taken to limit the spread of the infection."

'Real worry'

Dr Baker has recommended quarantining new birds for a minimum of 30 days away from the main stock.

Grant Findlay, Budgerigar Society chairman, said: "If all members heed the advice given then the disease can hopefully be isolated and controlled and we can return to a normal show season next year."

Roy Cook, secretary of the Northern Budgerigar Society, said: "It's a real worry. We have had to cancel all of our meetings.

"Everything has come to a stop. We are just hoping that it all goes away soon."

This is BBC News 19/06/03

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/3003644.stm

CRESTED BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY

Due to the recent recommendations from the Budgerigar Society the Crested BS  have withdrawn Patronage for the 2003 season, societies have been asked to retain the awards already despatched in readiness for 2004.

W Searle

Lisa Barnsdale
LEA Chairman

SPECIALIST & RARE VARIETY OPEN SHOW               

Specialist Championship Show 28^th & 29^th June 2003

Due to the recent recommendation from the Budgerigar Society in the letter being sent out to all members regarding new outbreaks of Budgerigar Disease in various areas of the country, the committee of the Specialist & Rare Variety Open Show have decided to cancel their show for this year.

We hope that both exhibitors and visitors will understand this precautionary course of action, which is also being taken by most, if not all, show promoting budgerigar societies nation wide.

We look forward to your support at next year’s show on 26^th & 27^th June 2004.

Ghalib Al-Nasser Show Organiser   Tel/Fax:  020 8289 8879  email: al-nasser@clara.net

S P E C I A L  N O T I C E

Dear Fancier                                                                                           

‘New’ Budgerigar Disease

Further to the two communications from Dr John Baker (enclosed within the March and May 2003 issues of ‘The Budgerigar’) I write to you as a matter of urgency regarding the ‘new’ Budgerigar Disease. Unfortunately, a new case in the Middlesbrough area was confirmed last week by Dr John Baker resulting in a BS member losing his complete stud of over 200 birds.  

At the time of writing several other unconfirmed cases have been reported in the same area as well as East Anglia, Humberside, West Midlands and the West Country. My sympathies, and that of the Society, are with those members whose studs have been or are currently affected with this devastating disease.

In view of the seriousness of the situation, the uncertainty of how the disease is transmitted, with no known cure at present, and the fast approaching start to the Show Season the General Council wish to recommend the following to all members:

Recommended that you do not exhibit your birds this Show Season.

That BS Patronage will be withheld from all shows and societies for the full Show Season.  

The BS Judges’ Training Scheme will be postponed for this Show Season and the requirement for all Judges to send in a Judges’ Return has been waived for this year.

The situation will be reviewed at the end of the Show Season and a decision communicated to all members via ‘The Budgerigar’ and the society’s website (www.budgerigarsociety.com).

The Budgerigar Society cannot enforce Members not to exhibit their birds or enforce Clubs and Societies to cancel their Shows, Sales Days, Conventions, Aviary Visits, Meetings etc. The above action, however, is being recommended with the welfare of the birds the utmost priority and the long-term future of the hobby in mind. It is, therefore, hoped that all members and societies appreciate the reasons and respect this recommendation.

Going forward it is vital that any member who thinks they may have this disease contacts the BS Office and/or Dr Baker (01352 780307) immediately whether you are a member of the BS Veterinary Diagnostic Scheme or not. Only by working together and fanciers admitting they have a problem will we be able to address this situation properly. I can confirm and re-assure all members that contact with the Office or Dr Baker on this subject is strictly confidential.

If you require to purchase any outcrosses during this period then I would urge caution and follow the quarantine guidelines suggested by Dr Baker in his earlier communication (reproduced below)

I am disappointed that recent circumstances have forced the General Council to recommend this course of action so close to the commencement of the Show Season, however, if all members heed the advice given then the disease can hopefully be isolated and controlled and we can return to a normal Show Season next year. If you intend to visit any bird related event please check with the organiser before embarking on your journey.

Regular up-dates will be posted on the society’s website.

I look forward to your co-operation in this matter.

Grant D Findlay - Budgerigar Society Chairman