A viral disease has turned pigeons in the UK into zombie-like creatures – causing them to develop twisted necks and walk around in circles, animal experts said.
The Jersey Society for Prevention of the Cruelty of Animals shared an alert along with startling photos of pigeons with contorted necks.
“There has been an increase in the number of grounded pigeons coming into the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter in the last few weeks, many of which have been showing neurological signs such as twisted neck, circling or are unable to stand,” said the animal rescue service based in St. Helier, Jersey.
It said the disease appears to be pigeon paramyxovirus, which is described as “an invariably fatal viral disease that can affect pigeons, doves and poultry.”
The JSPCA noted that the afflicted birds are usually thin and have green feces.
“Sometimes they will also have injuries resulting from not being able to balance or fly well,” it said, adding that birds that survive are “humanely euthanized” to prevent them from infecting others.
“The virus can survive longer in the wetter, colder months, meaning clusters of cases are more common at this time of year,” the group said.
Bird keepers were advised to keep an eye out for the symptoms, The Sun reported.
To prevent pigeon paramyxovirus, they can vaccinate the birds and make sure to maintain strict biosecurity in their enclosures.
“The virus does not respond to treatment although supportive care by a veterinarian may reduce the severity of the disease and increase the chances of survival,” Bird Exotics Veterinary said, according to The Sun.
Fortunately, humans cannot catch the disease, though people handling infected birds can catch conjunctivitis, also known as red eye.
