27 dead doves in Vegas area have bird virus

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Wildlife officials in Nevada are asking the public to help look out for sick or dying pigeons or doves in the Las Vegas area after more than two dozen dead doves tested positive for a bird virus.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the only birds affected so far are Eurasian collared doves. They're about the size of a pigeon, greyish or tan with a black half-collar and white edge on its neck.

State wildlife veterinarian Peregrine Wolff says the first death was reported late September in a North Las Vegas backyard. Twenty-seven cases have been confirmed but none since Oct. 18.

Wolff says the virus known as PPMV1 (pigeon paramyxovirus-1) doesn't pose any real threat to humans though direct contact with sick birds could lead to eye infections.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/27-dead-doves-in-Vegas-area-have-bird-virus-4001559.php#ixzz2B4c9bQiR