The virus causes Newcastle disease in poultry, which is a serious animal disease. In humans, the virus can cause conjunctivitis.
In December, four dead domestic pigeons, or pulu, were found in the center of Tampere, which were found to have a highly contagious bird virus, the Food Agency informs.
In the same area, several dead pulu have been observed during the end of December. Observations of sick pulu have also been reported to the official veterinarians of the area.
The virus causes Newcastle disease in poultry, which is a serious animal disease. Its symptoms include inability to fly, apathy and nervous symptoms, as well as bird deaths.
The virus found in the piles sent for research has been a highly disease-causing type of virus. The same virus has been found in December in pulu also in Lempäälä.
The virus is not dangerous for humans, but it can cause conjunctivitis. Infections are rare in humans and usually require close contact with an infected bird.
The virus spreads easily to birds
The Food Agency recommends that keepers of poultry and other birds take care of good disease protection, so that the infection does not spread to the place where the birds are kept.
For example, bird feed and drinking water must be protected from wild birds. You should also put on protective clothing when going to the bird holding area, because the virus spreads easily with clothes and shoes.
The Food Agency does not recommend taking sick pigs for treatment due to the risk of spreading the infection.
If symptoms of illness are observed in the birds, the symptoms must be reported to the municipal veterinarian.