Video: Outbreak of Paramyxovirus in Britain Turns Pigeons into Zombies; Humans Also Infected

The faux plague, which is likely the cause of the emergence of zombie pigeons in Great Britain, can occasionally be seen in humans as well; however, the illness presents mild symptoms and poses no danger. This was stated in an interview with RIA Novosti by Alexander Semyonov, head of the Viral Infections Research Institute in Yekaterinburg and Doctor of Biological Sciences.

Earlier, media reports indicated that there had been an outbreak of paramyxovirus in Britain, transforming pigeons into zombies—birds with twisted necks walking in circles incessantly.

"Newcastle virus is occasionally recorded among at-risk groups, such as poultry factory workers who have contact with infected birds. However, human sensitivity to this virus is low. It manifests milder in humans than in birds," Semyonov explained.

He noted that in humans, the virus presents symptoms characteristic of acute respiratory illnesses and can cause conjunctivitis. At the same time, according to the expert, it currently poses no threat to humans.

According to Semyonov, the outbreak among pigeons in Great Britain is likely due to the Newcastle virus or the so-called fake plague of birds. This virus is considered a quarantine particularly dangerous infection in poultry farming, inflicting damages to global poultry production comparable only to highly pathogenic avian influenza. Semyonov clarified that among infected birds, mortality can reach up to 30%.