Update

HESSEQUA NEWS - Due to the Avian Influenza virus outbreak in chickens and wild birds, all pigeons need to be vaccinated as per the SANPO constitution and directive, with the prescribed vaccination, at the latest Sunday evening 10 September.

The chicken vaccine prescribed and donated by Dr Ockert Botha, official SANPO veterinarian, Aviomed and MSD, is a booster vaccination as the bird that was found in Worcester had the chicken virus (as per information from Elsenberg).

Pigeons not vaccinated with the correct vaccine may contract and spread Newcastle disease or may become immune compromised, thereby making them more susceptible to other viruses such as Avian Influenza virus.

SANPO believes that not to vaccinate as prescribed above, may put the pigeon sport in jeopardy and pose a serious threat to the well-being of pigeon fancier's pigeons.

This was made very clear by the state veterinary department. "We are working along with the authorities to try and minimize the threat."

If anyone wants to vaccinate with any other vaccine that being donated and supplied, they must send Botha a photo of the label, package insert, batch number and expiry date for him to approve prior to vaccinating. 

If no laboratory confirmation, done by a state lab, confirming an influenza case in a pigeon (not wild bird, chicken, ducks or geese) was supplied by the state vet services by Monday 4 September, racing will be allowed next weekend and going forward until proof has been supplied and the situation be re-evaluated.

For more information contact Erwin Wallendorf at 021 913 5791 or 082 460 1468.

Read a previous article: Pigeons need to be vaccinated

'We bring you the latest Hessequa, Tuinroete nuus'