A terrible disease that is spreading in Great Britain is turning pigeons into zombie birds with terrible symptoms. On the island of Jersey, the sick pigeons had to be humanely killed.
The virus usually kills sick birds within a few days, but this period of time allows it to continue to spread among birds.
Pigeon paramyxovirus, known as PPMV or Newcastle disease, makes pigeons malaise and causes a variety of neurological symptoms, including severe neck twisting and fluttering wings.
Along with walking in circles and losing significant weight, they also have green excrement and are reluctant to move.
Although the disease cannot infect humans, handling sick birds can lead to conjunctivitis, so caution is advised. People began to call the sick birds “zombie pigeons” because of the disease and its terrifying characteristics. What you need to know about the disease is given below.
Are there zombie pigeons in the UK?
So far this has had an impact on the Jersey population, necessitating the euthanasia of several birds. With no cases reported on the mainland, the Jersey authorities are putting down birds to stop the further spread of the disease.
What steps are being taken to combat zombie pigeons?
The government issued advice to anyone handling or owning pigeons advising: “Practice strict biosecurity in your facilities and vaccinate your pigeons against the disease – speak to your vet for guidance if you run pigeon shows or competitions.”
According to the Mirror, there is no known cure for the virus and “many birds die within days”. The JSPCA Animal Shelter on the Island of Jersey in the Channel Islands is leading efforts to contain the outbreak.
Zombie-like pigeons found with twisted necks from contracting a strange disease. https://t.co/nieemMDuXC
— ELIOT IN THE MORNING (@EITMonline) October 27, 2022
A spokeswoman continued: “Any that survive will continue to shed the virus and pose a risk to other birds.” Affected birds have been compassionately euthanized at the JSPCA.
Birds are highly susceptible to the disease, which is spread through droppings and other bodily fluids. This time of year is especially common as the virus can linger longer in wetter and colder weather.
‘Zombie’ birds found with twisted necks after contracting horrific disease
Pigeons in Great Britain are affected by a frightening disease which is turning them into zombie birds with terrible symptoms. The sick pigeons had to be carefully killed on the island of Jersey.
Numerous neurological symptoms are caused by the disease, also known as Newcastle disease or pigeon paramyxovirus (PPMV). which include quivering wings and a highly contorted neck.
Zombie pigeons: A fatal viral disease has turned Jersey pigeons in the UK into zombies, causing them to develop twisted necks and move in circles.https://t.co/3u96jSISzr pic.twitter.com/0ZZaNUuIcG
— apt2023 (@apt2023) October 30, 2022
In addition, birds begin to lose weight, have green faces and circles. They also move slowly and cannot fly. A Jersey-based animal sanctuary explained that the disease “invariably” kills affected animals.
“There has been an increase in the number of pigeons coming to the ground at the JSPCA animal shelter in the previous two weeks, many of which are showing neurological signs including neck twisting, circling or being unable to stand,” a representative from the shelter said.
These are all symptoms of pigeon paramyxovirus, a virus that can infect pigeons, doves and poultry and is always fatal. It is a notifiable disease in captive birds but not in wild birds, meaning that suspected cases must be reported.
The spokesman added that “many birds die within a few days” and that “there is no therapy for this condition”.
A curious case of zombie pigeons from the UK with arched necks and fiercely flapping wings. They are said to be suffering from PPMV. pic.twitter.com/YcdPLzvqP8
— Da_Lying_Lama?? (@GoofyOlives) October 30, 2022
“Any that survive will continue to shed the virus and pose a threat to other birds.” Affected birds are compassionately euthanized at the JSPCA, they added.
“The disease is highly contagious and spreads through excreta and other secretions.”
Clusters of cases are more common this time of year because the virus can survive the colder, wetter months for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
A common pigeon disease is terrorizing the UK due to a strange zombie-like side effect. The Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals issued a warning, along with a series of pictures of the pigeons with twisted necks.
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