The Directorate for Environmental Health will soon launch a programme aimed at reducing the number of wild pigeons in localities across Malta and Gozo, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said.

Responding to a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, who referred to earlier inquiries about the persistent pigeon problem in Paola, the Minister said the government is planning an island-wide initiative to address the issue.

Mifsud Bonnici asked whether a solution could be found for the ongoing pigeon infestation in the locality.

Abela replied that in the coming period, the Directorate for Environmental Health will be launching a programme to reduce the number of wild pigeons around localities in Malta and Gozo.

Further details about the programme, including its scope and implementation timeline, have not yet been revealed.