Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare announced that investigations into recent reports of sick and dead pigeons across various areas of Male' City have confirmed that pigeons are dying from coryza infection.

The Ministry stated that this is a common respiratory disease in birds. The diagnosis was based on the pattern of disease spread, symptoms, necropsy findings, and laboratory tests.

The disease is caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum, a bacterium that attacks birds' respiratory systems. The Ministry also noted that tests revealed the pigeons were additionally suffering from coccidiosis, candidiasis, and other bacterial infections.

Secondary bacterial infections alongside the coryza infection worsen the condition, causing birds to die. Infected birds display symptoms including nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the head and face, and difficulty eating and drinking.

The Ministry stated that this disease will naturally control itself within a short period and poses no risk to humans; however, as a precaution, they recommend keeping children away from dead or sick pigeons, and advise adults to use protective measures when handling such birds.