October 29, 2005

TO:       AU Electronic Newsletter Subscribers
FROM:  AU National Office/Board of Directors
RE:       Bird Flu

H5N1 BIRD FLU- A REAL THREAT TO PIGEON RACING?

       It seems that every day we read something in the paper, see some interview on television or hear a friend talking about the Asian H5N1 "bird flu," how deadly it is, and how serious it could be, if it gets to the U.S.. 

       The AU national office and the AU Board of Directors are aware of most of these reports, and had much discussion about them at our AU Board Meetings in California.  We are keeping a very close eye on developments. We also have a group of individuals on the AU Scientific Advisory Group that includes veterinarians, senior Board members, the AU Executive Director and others. Many are in positions that afford them access to papers and research we would not otherwise be able to get or even see! These individuals have volunteered to serve as professional resources as needed, to monitor media of all types and to report on any development that could have ANY effect on our pigeons and our rights to raise, train and race our birds.

       On the national level, the person who is and has been monitoring this virus in the U.S. is Dr. Carol Cardona of UC Davis, in California. Dr. Cardona is a world-renowned research veterinarian at UC Davis.  She has been a valued advisor to your AU Board for about 4 years and was of great assistance during the Exotic Newcastle Outbreak.  Dr. Cardona facilitated the relationship between the USDA, CDFA and the AU while the AU coordinated and funded testing for members in California.  In fact, her help was critical to our efforts to get our birds flying at a time when others were predicting an end to our hobby.  Dr. Cardona provides us with direct access to the very best veterinary advice we can get at this time.

       Recently, while at the convention in California (October 21), the AU Board spoke with Dr. Cardona.  A small group of the Board visited with her at her labs for a briefing on the H5N1 virus and other matters pertinent to the pigeon racing community. 

       Information about H5N1 bird flu in pigeons is still sketchy, but we do know the following:
       First, C-A-L-M is the keyword in dealing with the Asian bird flu-every bird that gets sick is NOT a victim of the H5N1 virus;
       Second, it appears that just about any animal can get the Asian bird flu, but mysteriously, it is mortal to some people and animals, but seems to have little or no effect on others;
       Third, migrating waterfowl, i.e., ducks, geese, swans, etc., are the main culprits in the spread of the disease; and,
       Finally, research shows that while PIGEONS DO GET H5N1, THEY SHOW NO CLINICAL SIGNS THAT THEY ARE SICK.  There is no valid research to prove that they can transmit the disease either to another animal or to a human or that they harbor the virus and serve as pools or amplifiers of it. Although infected pigeons with H5N1 do develop antibodies, we have no information on the gross physiologic effects of the disease on our birds.

       We must keep in mind that the facilities and environment in which Asian and European birds are kept is very much different than those typically used by American bird breeders and commercial producers. There are vast differences between animal husbandry practices in the Far East and those in America. In Asia, open markets with dirt floors, stacking crates where one animal's droppings mix with anothers' and mixing of several species in one basket are all common and have all contributed to the spread of bird flu.  Scientists knew this would lead to disaster, and Asian bird handlers have been told repeatedly that they needed to change their caging and handling procedures.  The irony is that they would not have to buy "modern" equipment or build new facilities. If they would have just practiced simple, basic biosecurity-access restrictions, handling techniques and procedures that cost the handler almost nothing, much of this disease may have been avoided.

LOFT REGISTRATION-OUR KEY (ONLY) DEFENSE?

       Unfortunately, the cat is now out of the bag, the virus is spreading, and it looks like sooner or later, we're all going to have to deal with the charge that our pigeons are spreading Asian bird flu! When the problem hits home, the media, your neighbors, even some pigeon people might try to lay blame at your loft and they will have to be educated to the contrary. They will demand explanations that they can accept and believe. And they must be told the truth.

       How can we protect ourselves? As long as your pigeons do not come into contact with any other birds, especially waterfowl, the chances of them getting or spreading H5N1 bird flu are very slim! Your AU Board of Directors developed its AU Loft Registration Program around just such biosecurity procedures in response to the Animal Welfare Act issues, and submitted them last year as part of the federally-mandated, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Animal Welfare Act Guidelines.

       Getting your loft inspected and registered under the AU Loft Registration Program reinforces your care and concern.  Loft Registration also shows we are proactive to avoid problems, such as Asian flu.  By registering your loft and following the simplest of Biosecurity recommendations, you can tell and show local authorities what you are doing to prevent your birds from spreading disease, especially Asian flu.  You can demonstrate that you are doing your best to maintain stringent biosecurity at your loft-you keep all visitors out and your birds are not allowed to fly free with unrestricted access in and out of your loft!  In other words, how can an isolated animal, housed and maintained under biosecure measures, spread a disease?

       Under the AU Loft Registration Program, a Committee of your club members (a committee of pigeon people) inspects your loft for basic standards, and certifies that you understand and use basic biosecurity procedures to isolate your flock and stop the spread of disease. These are cheap, common sense practices and procedures that are actually what most of us are already doing so they are nothing new.  Most have used these procedures for years. (These very simple procedures were developed in coordination with Dr. Cardona's lab at UC Davis and with direct input from personnel at USDA.) The main thrust of these measures is to keep animals isolated and to keep people from tracking in and out of your loft.  In other words, you isolate your loft and birds from other lofts and birds.

       Your AU national office can provide you with copies of these guidelines and also details about these biosecurity measures which are posted on the AU website (http://pigeon.org/biosecurity.htm). If you have any questions or if local authorities should contact you about pigeons having H5N1 bird flu or any other disease or problem, refer them to the AU national office at 405-848-5801 and advise our staff  as soon as possible!  Do not wait for a television report, a newspaper article, a letter or a visit.

       Remember that when dealing with local officials and the general public who know nothing about our sport or the birds, it is important to compare American practices with those in Asia.  Stress the differences in caging, maintenance, husbandry, vaccination, training and racing. If you're not sure how to respond, please call your AU national office or your zone director.

       The outbreak of H5N1 bird flu could be a turning point in peoples' attitudes about animals whether they be dogs, cats, fish, birds, or whatever. If H5N1 bird flu mutates into a form that spreads easily from animals to humans and then among humans, this disease could become the killer that scientists have predicted for years. A pandemic might be the result and chaos could come about due to people not understanding how disease is controlled and how it is spread.  The result of that could be senseless, widespread panic with the public demanding that every captive bird be killed! As things now stand, we should be able to protect our birds and ourselves by taking a few physical and administrative steps to help stop some of the debate before it reaches panic.

       We are asking for your cooperation in our efforts to help save your racing pigeons, and yes, potentially, the sport and hobby we all love so much! Please call your club members. Get your loft registered before the fingers start pointing and people won't listen to reason. In the meantime, your AU Board of Directors will continue to find valid research, legitimate information and honest sources to support the positions of our sport and hobby.  Please get your loft registered!