Zombie pigeons: a disease affecting birds in the UK

Viral disease affecting pigeons on the island of Jersey, in United kingdom. According to specialists, it is a paramyxovirus that can infect pigeons and poultry and be fatal.

Pigeons infected with this virus, also known as Newcastle disease, suffer from a range of neurological symptoms including severe neck twisting and trembling wings, leading many to refer to the birds as zombie bathroom

In Jersey, according to the local newspaper womanAnd the Some birds had to be euthanized for illness due to strong symptoms: They lose a lot of weight, have green stools, walk in circles, cannot fly, and are reluctant to move.

Although this virus cannot affect humans, it can cause conjunctivitis in those who handle sick birds.

Spokesman JSPCA Animal Shelter (Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) On the island of Jersey he said, “There has been an increase in the number of ground pigeons entering the JSPCA animal shelter in recent weeks, and many have shown neurological signs such as twisting their necks, rolling over or being unable to stop,” he said.

What is a paramyxovirus?

He pointed out that all of these are signs of the Paramix virus. “It is a disease that should be reported in captive birds (which means that suspected cases should be reported to the authorities) but not in wild birds.”

“In addition to neurological symptoms, affected birds are often thin and have green stools. Sometimes they will also get injured as a result of not being able to balance or fly well,” he added.

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A spokesman for the sanctuary said there was no cure for the disease and “many birds died within a few days”. Additionally, “anyone who survives will continue to shed the virus and be a danger to other birds. In the JSPCA, infected birds are killed humanely.”

According to official information from the UK government, the disease can be prevented if pigeons are vaccinated against the virus. Talk to your vet for advice [si organiza espectáculos o carreras de palomas, debe asegurarse de que todas las aves que participen hayan sido vacunadas ] It exercises strict biosecurity in its facilities.”

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