UkPigeonRacing

I must admit that I don’t worry about them mixing with mine. They are much more at risk of catching something from the race basket than from a stray. I know you could argue that they could be strays because of a health issue but I want birds with a high immune system and feel that if challenged by something from another loft it all helps to strengthen it. I have to say in all the years I have kept pigeons I have never had a stray bring in anything serious. The worst I had was a few years ago when one of my own youngsters went missing off the loft for a couple of weeks and after coming back went down with PMV.

I generally don't worry much about strays either, Andy. When you think about it, what we are cursing as a 'stray', is the same pigeon that someone else is waiting for.
But there are hundreds and hundreds of fanciers in Melbourne flying in many clubs and Federations. And Rota virus is, to quote one bloke, "everywhere".

So, my usual casual attitude to things that drop in here is temporarily suspended. I have had Rota in my loft, it was not good and I don't want it again. Of course they can get it anyway, even pigeons in aviaries have been infected and died.

But I don't want to issue an invitation.

Fully understand what your saying Murray.