Dear Friends,

We are very sorry here in Australia to hear that the Avian Influenza has reared it's ugly head again in Germany and France. It is no doubt disastrous for our fancier friends in that part of the world. It is however extremely important that the pigeon fanciers are not exposed in any way that they may be blamed for any contamination of any sort.
We must also realize that pigeons flying at distances of 800km and over may go down for water among the best of them around 5 times on such journeys.
Pigeons are then at least exposed to where perhaps those infections brood and the possibility of mutations may never be ruled out. I want the fancier to race their pigeons and in the same time also use our common sense and those with scientific knowledge on the subject to be consulted. Let us not destroy our wonderful hobby and things that we will only regret later. This is my personal opinion and I hope that it will all be sorted out quickly.
Kindest Regards,

John Koster
from "Down Under"

This is what will happen to the birds that usually fly from the South and due to Avian Influenza will fly from the East.
"They will race as if they have been racing from that direction all their life."
I train from the opposite direction of our race release with no adverse affect on the race results.
J. Gettings
Cottonwood, Ca.
USA