The government will fund a vaccination program for a strain of avian paramyxovirus that had not previously been reported in Australia, but was recently detected in hobby pigeon flocks in Victoria and NSW.

ACT chief veterinary officer Will Andrew said the disease, which had killed pigeons around Sydney and Melbourne, was highly contagious among pigeons, but there was limited evidence to date of it affecting other birds, including parrots and chickens. Dr Andrew said the key clinical signs of pigeon disease included lethargy or loss of appetite, gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhoea and regurgitation, neurological signs including head shaking, and death.

''There is no threat to dogs, cats and other non-avian species. However, while extremely rare, human infection is possible,'' he said.

To protect pigeons in the ACT, the government will begin a vaccination program this month.

The vaccination program requires two shots, four weeks apart, followed by an annual booster.

The ACT government will pay for the first two vaccines with the follow-up annual booster and subsequent vaccines to be sourced through private vets at the owner's expense.

Pigeon owner Grant Paterson, a member of Canberra Racing Pigeon Combine, had his flock of 60 pigeons vaccinated in March, when the vaccine first became available.

''It's clearly the worst disease for pigeons that's ever reached our shores in Australia,'' he said.

''If it's not properly controlled, it's got the ability to have a catastrophic impact on our pigeons.

''The mortality rate is extremely high.''

Mr Paterson said he believed the disease would reach the ACT, but pigeon owners could control its impact by vaccinating their birds.

''Thinking the disease will disappear is foolish,'' he said.

''If they don't vaccinate they can lose their entire flock.

''The DPI [Department of Primary Industries] in NSW in a couple of instances has taken the decision to depopulate the whole of a person's flock.''

The first vaccination will be held on Saturday, July 28, from 9am to 12pm at Athllon Depot in Farrer. Registration is required.

Dr Andrew said volunteers from Canberra Racing Pigeon Combine would assist with the program and the ACT government would keep a record of all birds vaccinated for epidemiology purposes.

To register call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

Registration closes at 5pm on Wednesday, July 25.