The streets of Moscow have been peppered with seemingly crazed pigeons, sparking a fear which has been dubbed the “bird apocalypse.”

In recent weeks, a number of panicked Russians have been reporting the bizarre behaviour of the pigeons to the authorities.

A strange change in the bird’s demeanour has seen them acting lethargic and apparently fearless.

Muscovites have taken to Twitter to describe the “zombie pigeons.” One user reported a pigeon losing its balance and falling through a window, while others have said the bird have been walking round in circles, reported The Independent.

Speaking to Europe Radio Liberty, a Moscow resident named Umid said: “When I walk to work I usually see pigeons running and jumping around. But recently they haven’t been reacting to anything at all”.

He added: “When a person walks past them, they used to fly away. But now they just sit there in a kind of funk and don’t even pay attention to you. They’re just not normal.”

Some have even flown into the faces of passersby and standing motionless in the path of traffic.  

More than one theory has materialised in identifying the cause of these incidents.

Officials have said the bird’s strange behaviour is likely to be due to intestinal infection and parasite-based diseases.

However, Russia’s Vetinary Committee said autopsies on dead birds indicate salmonella poising.  

The Federal Vetinary and Phytosanitary Inspection Unit have added a third explanation; the highly contagious Newcastle disease which can cause eye infections and flu-like symptoms in humans.

Locals have been advised to stay away from any pigeon acting strangely and to call the authorities if they find a dead bird. 

 

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