Pigeon race proceeds despite bird flu outbreak concerns

The Warrnambool Racing Pigeon Club is determined to hold its 100th-anniversary race this Sunday, releasing 150 pigeons from Warrnambool to fly 320 kilometers. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Warrnambool Base Hospital.

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We don't think on it, we just get on with what we're allowed to do, and that's it.

Despite mass suspected bird flu deaths in Victoria's south-west, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has exempted the race from poultry housing restrictions. The race will start in Lascelles, a region where the H5 bird flu strain has not yet been detected.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from the Victorian Wildlife Alliance. David Mould, a representative from the group, expressed concern that the race could spread the disease to northern Victoria. "I think it's irresponsible of the club. I think it's irresponsible of the government," Mould stated, emphasizing that while pigeons may have a lower risk of contracting bird flu, the risk is not zero.

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I think it's irresponsible of the club. I think it's irresponsible of the government.

Mould further questioned the necessity of taking even small risks for activities he deems "frivolous and even cruel." He highlighted that pigeon racing clubs have a history of abandoning birds, with some not surviving races, which he believes creates a "recipe for spreading the disease as far and wide as you possibly can."

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We're talking a lower risk, and it is true that pigeons have been classed as being of lower risk.

Pigeons are believed to be more resistant to bird flu than many other species, but DEECA advice indicates they can still contract the disease. The club maintains that its members contain their birds when not racing or training, but concerns remain about the potential for disease transmission.

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But I just don't understand why we would bother taking even small risks for completely frivolous and even cruel activities like pigeon racing.