British pigeons are ‘turning into zombies’ due to mystery disease that twists their necks and makes them walk in zigzags

A MYSTERIOUS disease is infecting British birds and turning them into slow-moving ‘zombies’ with deformed necks.

The highly contagious virus has already spread rapidly Jersey pigeons and is feared to be circulating throughout the UK bird population.

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Horrible symptoms of the disease include deformed necks, dangerously emaciated bodies, and robbing birds of their ability to fly, walk evenly or move quickly.

Pigeon paramyxovirus, also known as PPMV or Newcastle disease, will also turn bird droppings green and there is a risk of death within days.

Other signs to look out for are trembling or paralysis of the wings and legs with reluctance to move and eat.

A spokesman for the JSPCA Animal Shelter in the Channel Islands of Jersey said: “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 were showing neurological signs such as twisted necks, circling or unable to stand.

“These are all signs of pigeon paramyxovirus, an inevitably fatal viral disease that can affect pigeons, doves and poultry [where it is known as Newcastle’s Disease].

“It is a notifiable disease in captive birds [meaning that suspected cases must be reported to the authorities]but not wild birds.

“In addition to showing neurological symptoms, affected birds are usually emaciated and have green droppings.

“Sometimes they’ll also have injuries that come from not being able to keep their balance or fly well.”

The JSPCA added that infected birds are euthanized quickly and humanely as it is highly contagious.

“The disease is extremely contagious and spreads through feces and other secretions.

“The virus can survive longer in the wetter and colder months, which means clusters of cases are more common at this time of year,” they continued.

In order to prevent disease you can vaccinate your pigeons and make sure you practice strict biosecurity in your enclosure, according to Gov.uk.

It is important to try to prevent the initial infection because after incubation, Bird Exotics Veterinary said, “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.”

While humans cannot get the disease, people who handle infected birds can get conjunctivitis.

This is coming earlier this month bird flu it has been detected at 155 sites across the UK and more than three million birds have been killed.

Zones have been established for the prevention of bird flu Norfolk, SuffolkParts Essex and the entire southwest of England.

Now, fear is growing among poultry farmers about their livestock and that Christmas could affect turkey supplies.

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