Devil virus turns British birds into zombies,
A terrifying virus is turning British birds into walking zombies.
The disease causes a variety of neurological symptoms in birds, including a severe neck bend and quivering feathers.
Pigeons infected with paramyxovirus, commonly known as PPMV or Newcastle's Disease, become emaciated, have green plumage, walk in circles, are often unable to fly, and are reluctant to move. are
The disease is now believed to be spreading across the UK as some bird populations on the island of Jersey have been decimated.
An animal shelter has issued a warning about the "always fatal viral disease" and its terrifying symptoms, which do not affect humans but can cause conjunctivitis in those handling sick birds.
According to a spokesperson for the JSPCA Animal Shelter on the Island of Jersey in the Channel Islands, "Over the past few weeks there has been an increase in the number of ground pigeons coming to the JSPCA Animal Shelter, many of which are showing neurological symptoms. Symptoms such as being bent over, dizzy or unable to stand.
"These are all symptoms of pigeon paramyxovirus, an almost always fatal viral disease that can affect pigeons, doves and chickens (where it is known as Newcastle disease)."
"It is a notifiable disease in captive birds (meaning suspected cases must be reported to the authorities), but not in wild birds," the spokesperson said.
"Sometimes they will also have injuries that result in them not being able to balance or fly well."
According to a sanctuary spokesperson, there is no cure for the disease "and many birds die within days."
"Anyone that survives will shed the virus and pose a threat to other birds," he said.
"The disease is highly contagious and spreads through faeces and other fluids."
"The virus can survive longer in the wet, cold months, meaning clusters of cases are more common at this time of year."
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