Commotion in Britain over a very strange phenomenon that occurred in the Jersey area: Pigeons are exhibiting bizarre behavior and they look like… zombies.
The cause appears to be a deadly virus that primarily affects pigeons but can also infect other birds—even pets, according to the British newspaper *The Mirror*.
The «JSPCA Animal Shelter» reports that this is a «fatal viral disease» called «pigeon paramyxovirus,» also known as «PPMV» or «Newcastle disease.».
Pigeons infected with the virus exhibited a range of neurological symptoms. Typically, they have a twisted neck and exhibit tremors in their wings.
They also circle around themselves, show weakness and a reluctance to use their wings, and their droppings are green.
According to the report, there is no immediate risk to humans; however, if someone comes into close contact with an infected bird, they may develop conjunctivitis.
«There has been an increase in the number of pigeons brought to the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter in recent weeks, many of which exhibit neurological symptoms such as a twisted neck, walking in circles, or being unable to stand upright,» said a spokesperson for the shelter.
So far, no cure has been discovered for this virus, and even in pigeons where the disease goes into remission, they never completely clear it from their bodies, making it a permanent threat to other animals.
For this reason, they are usually euthanized, while in some cases they are given medication and die as a result of their condition.
According to the Bird Exotics Veterinary website: «The virus does not respond to treatment, although supportive care from a veterinarian can reduce the severity of the disease and increase the chances of survival.».
