Racing pigeon from the USA arrives in Australia

[mellowyellow]

A pigeon which crossed the Pacific Ocean from the United States to Australia may soon meet its end after authorities deemed it a quarantine risk. A Melbourne man discovered the bird in his backyard on Boxing Day two months after it disappeared from a race in Oregon. Australia's quarantine authorities say the bird is not permitted to remain in the country because it could present contamination and disease risks.

 

[horseless carriage]

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A pigeon which crossed the Pacific Ocean from the United States to Australia may soon meet its end after authorities deemed it a quarantine risk. A Melbourne man discovered the bird in his backyard on Boxing Day two months after it disappeared from a race in Oregon. Australia's quarantine authorities say the bird is not permitted to remain in the country because it could present contamination and disease risks.

Boxing day is the day after Christmas Day, so the pigeon has already been in Australia just short of three weeks. Now the quarantine authorities deem it a risk for the pigeon to remain. What are they going to do, wring it's neck or readjust it's magnetic compass? Who exactly is the bird brain here?

 

[fuzzybuddy]

If the Aussies whack the head off this cute little bird, that may not be the right touristy message. So, can't they quarantine the bird for some longer time. I'm not sure what is meant by "risk" Is the bird sick or not? And realistically, how do you keep birds from flying into your homeland with disease and parasites?

 

[Chet]

I think it's some kind of hoax. According to Google, it's 8,158 miles from Oregon to Australia, and a pigeon can fly up to 800 miles per day. That's about ten days of flying without rest and where would it rest? I seriously have my doubts.

 

[Mike]

It was probably on a ship.

Mike.