As per latest reports, it has been revealed that paramyxovirus, a deadly virus, has been creating havoc in Melbourne. Initially, it was attacking pigeons, but now veterinary experts have found the infection to be spreading in sparrow hawk and dove.

Chief Veterinary Officer Andrew Cameron said that there is a medicine through which they can control the disease's spread, but it would take a long time to get the approval. This is the reason that they have been asking the national pesticides regulator to approve the vaccine as soon as possible.

"If we can dampen down infection in domestic species by use of a vaccine, that certainly would be a sensible and the best tool that we've got at our disposal to do something about it", said Cameron. He further affirmed that the deadly virus was first witnessed in the state at the time of domestic racing show.

It is been five months now but the virus has been taking toll on pigeons and now the disease has taken a family of collared sparrow hawks and turtle doves in its grasp. Recently, a group of sparrows and doves were found dead near the sides of the city.

These incidents have left the Australian National Pigeon Association in shock. They have cancelled all the domestic species shows among which one was going to held in Ipswich in July. It is expected that vaccine will arrive by that time, but there are many pigeon fanciers who have complained of losing all their pigeons.

One such man is Felice Esposito, who said that he has lost 150 pigeons due to the virus. The authorities concerned are taking more time than it is being needed, said he. No precaution is working this time as virus season is at its peak.