Pigeon race still on in Victoria's west despite bird flu outbreak
A wildlife advocacy group fears a pigeon racing fundraiser could spread H5 bird flu from coastal to inland Victoria.
A Warrnambool pigeon racing club is set to release 150 pigeons on Sunday, August 30, to compete in a 300km race back to Warrnambool from Lascelles in the Wimmera region. Despite recent bird flu outbreaks in Victoria's south-west, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has exempted the race from poultry housing restrictions.
The Warrnambool Racing Pigeon Club, celebrating its 100th anniversary, insists the race is safe and necessary for fundraising. However, a wildlife organization, Victorian Wildlife Alliance, has expressed concerns over the potential spread of the disease. Club vice president Kevin Ashworth believes there is no risk, as pigeons are generally more resistant to bird flu, though DEECA advises they can still contract the disease.
Environmental advocates argue the risks are too high, given the current outbreak, and question the purpose of such a frivolous activity under these circumstances.
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