Parrot pox traced to Rosellas, says MAF

A virus that may have been introduced by smuggled parrots is potentially a serious new threat to New Zealand's native parrots, wildlife experts say.

The endangered kaka, kakariki, kea and the few remaining kakapo are all at risk.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) staff are cleaning up three Auckland properties suspected of having been contaminated with the parrot disease, psittacine pox virus.

MAF exotic disease co-ordinator Matthew Stone said an investigation was started in July after the parrot pox was diagnosed in two rosellas by an Auckland veterinarian.

It was the first time psittacine pox-virus has been diagnosed in New Zealand and during tracing of the infection, MAF learned of a disease outbreak in a west Auckland aviary.

Wild-caught rosellas are thought to have been the birds worst affected during this outbreak, and up to 200 birds may have died.

There is no specific treatment or effective vaccine for the virus, and symptoms vary between a wet and dry form of the disease.

Dry symptoms include nodules on unfeathered parts of the skin, around the eyes and feet. These form blisters that erupt to scabby erosions and mortality in this form is low.

The wet form causes lesions on the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, and throat. The disease may become systemic, with internal lesions in the throat, gastro-intestinal tract, lungs and air sacs causing birds to be very ill and depressed.

The source of infection on the Auckland property has not been established, but Dr Stone said MAF had contained and decontaminated three properties, destroying birds, disposing of their litter, and cleaning and disinfecting cages and surrounds.

"Pox viruses can survive for long periods in contaminated environments," he said. "Infected birds may not necessarily exhibit any symptoms.

"There is no test that can satisfactorily determine the health status of the birds on the properties, so the difficult decision has been taken to destroy the birds."

Department of Conservation (DOC) chief technical officer Geoff Hicks said he supported the cull.

" Psittacine pox virus could have dire consequences for New Zealand's native parrot species," he said. "The kakapo is already under threat and the impact on the kaka, kea and kakariki could also be severe.

"Any risk to these indigenous species from the pox virus is unacceptable and we support MAF's response in every way," he said.

The virus can be spread by contact between captive birds and wild birds, biting insects or direct contact within populations of introduced wild parrots.

Infection can also be spread within caged bird populations, through bird sales and shows, human contact and infected equipment.

Anybody who suspects their birds may have become infected with the virus should contact a veterinarian or MAF's exotic disease hotline (0800-809-966).

- NZPA