An outbreak of an avian virus is causing the deaths of numerous Eurasian collared doves in Colorado's lower Arkansas River valley, states a report by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The affected areas near La Junta and Rocky Ford have seen a surge in bird fatalities, prompting wildlife authorities to investigate. According to CPW representative, Jordon DePriest, the culprits identified are cases of Avian Paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1), a disease that commonly targets collared doves and pigeons.
With CPW offices inundated by reports, their response included sending two dove cadavers to the CPW wildlife health lab for pathogen analysis, revealing PPMV-1 as the underlying cause. DePriest noted, living primarily amongst collared doves, that this virus should run its course within weeks but advised the public to steer clear from the deceased avians. "This is something that primarily affects collared doves and pigeons," DePriest said, as per CPW. "We want the public to know the reason for the die-off so they don’t have to worry about it."
Distinct from the flu viruses found in wild birds in recent years, PPMV-1 first surfaced in Colorado during the winter of 2014, which similarly precipitated a die-off of collared doves. Whilst the virus is deemed to pose no direct threat to humans, caution is urged by CPW when dealing with potential transmission vectors to pets or domestic birds.
In addition to safeguards against handling sick or dead birds, officials recommend that backyard birdfeeders are cleaned on a weekly basis to prevent disease spread. Homes concerned about attracting infected wildlife are even suggested to remove birdfeeders entirely. The Eurasian collared dove is described as having a large body, small head, dark bill, and long square-tipped tail, with a sandy brown upper body and distinctive black crescent on the neck.
