Avian Paramyxoviruses are RNA viruses belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae. There are multiple serotypes (APMV-1 through APMV-21+), but the most significant one is APMV-1 (Newcastle Disease Virus).

It is affecting primarily domesticated birds such as chickens and turkeys, but also pigeons, parrots and many wild bird species. Transmission is through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, respiratory secretions or contaminated feed, water or equipment.

Symptoms are dependent on the strain's virulence and are ranging from mild respiratory signs to severe disease with neurological symptoms, which includes twisting of the neck, paralysis and greenish diarrhoea. PMV carries a high mortality in virulent strains.

Pigeon PMV is caused by the APMV-1 variant and is a notifiable disease. This specific strain does notably affect racing and fancy pigeons, causing nervous system symptoms like head twisting, tremors and loss of coordination. Other symptoms include trembling of wings and heads, partial paralysis of wings and legs, unusually wet and liquid faeces, quietness, loss of appetite and reluctance to move.

There is no cure and treatment is symptomatic and includes usually tube feeding. Vaccination is the primary control measure in domesticated animals. Biosecurity measures such as quarantine of new birds, disinfection of equipment and restricting visitor access are crucial. Surviving birds can remain carrier of the disease and all birds in contact need to be vaccinated.