Pigeon Disease - Diseases from Birds

03.16.2007 - Ever since I was a small lad, I was taught not to pick up bird feathers, as I was told they were dirty. Many birds are in fact dirty, especially the "flying rat" or "gutter bird", also known as the pigeon. These birds often live in cities or buildings, and they make quite a mess with their feathers, nesting material, and most of all, waste. The waste can accumulate in heavy amounts inside buildings, such as in the ceiling of the office building pictured above. Here are some of the more serious diseases associated with bird infestation in public areas and buildings:

Histoplasmosis: Histoplasmosis is a lung disease caused by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) found primarily in soil and areas contaminated with bird or bat droppings. The disease is transmitted to humans by airborne fungus spores from areas contaminated by pigeons and starlings, as well as other birds, and also bats. If a building has a pigeon infestation, the droppings can accumulate in significant amounts and serve as a fertile breeding ground for the fungal growth. The area under a pigeon roost usually has to have been enriched by droppings for two years or more for the disease organism to reach significant levels. At-risk areas include enclosed spaces, such as accumulations of droppings in buildings or in attics. Infection occurs when the fungal spores, carried by the air are inhaled by people — especially after a roost has been disturbed. Most histo infections are mild and result in a minor influenza- like illness. However, on occasion, the disease can cause high fever, blood abnormalities, pneumonia and even death. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported a potentially blinding eye condition — presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) — that probably results from the histo fungus. NIH estimates that 4 percent of those exposed to the disease are at risk of developing OHS.

Cryptococcosis: Pigeon droppings appear to be the most common source of the disease fungus Cryptococcus neoformans in the environment. The fungus is typically found in accumulations of droppings around roosting and nesting sites, for example, attics, cupolas, ledges and water towers. It has been found in as many as 84 percent of samples taken from old roosts. Even when old and dry, bird droppings can be a significant source of infection. Like histoplasmosis, most cryptococcosis infections are mild and may be without symptoms. Persons with weakened immune systems, however, are more susceptible to infection. The disease is acquired by inhaling the yeast-like cells of the organism. Two forms of cryptococcosis occur in humans. The generalized form begins with a lung infection and spreads to other areas of the body, particularly the central nervous system, and is usually fatal unless treated. The cutaneous (skin) form is characterized by acne-like skin eruptions or ulcers with nodules just under the skin. The cutaneous form is very rare, however, without generalized (systemic) disease. Outbreaks (multiple cases at a location) of cryptococcosis have not been documented.

Psittacosis and toxoplasmosis: Also associated with pigeon roosts and the accompanying droppings, these diseases are normally not severe in people; however, serious illness or death does occur rarely. Pigeons and sparrows also have been implicated (along with many other species of birds) as sources of encephalitis viruses carried by mosquitoes.

Parasites: Includes the Pigeon Nest Bug and the bat bug (both related to the beg bug), soft ticks, biting lice and the pigeon flythese parasites. Though these parasites can bite and irritate, they are unlikely to transmit diseases to humans. The northern fowl mite and chicken mite are also possible in a pile of droppings like this. Although most parasites associated with bird droppings or nests die quickly after the birds leave, some may live for several weeks. Droppings, feathers, food and dead birds under a roosting area can breed flies, carpet beetles and other insects that may become a problem in the immediate area.

To protect yourself:

• Avoid inhaling air that may be contaminated with fungal spores, and don't disturb or contact piles of pigeon waste.
• Avoid contact with food or water that may have been contaminated with pigeon waste.
• Avoid direct contact with any pigeon excrement or nesting material.
• Have any contaminated areas professionally cleaned.
• Prevention - Eliminate any pigeon roosts or infestations in buildings, and have those buildings sealed shut to keep birds out, or have deterrents such as pigeon spikes installed to keep pigeons from roosting.

Do it yourself: Visit my How To Get Rid of Pigeons page for tips and advice.
Get professional help: Visit my Nationwide Pro Directory of wildlife removal experts.

For more wildlife stories, click my Wildlife Blog or click my below banner to hire a local trapper.

Pigeons are commonly found in most cities, as they are accustomed to living near people in urban areas. They often nest and roost on top of commercial buildings or private homes. Unfortunately, pigeons are not as harmless as they may seem. Not only do their droppings contain corrosive uric acid that can damage buildings, but they also can carry various diseases that can be spread to humans and pets. In this article, we are discussing some of the diseases that may be carried by pigeons.

Histoplasmosis
A type of fungus that grows in bird droppings causes histoplasmosis. It is a disease that affects the lungs, so it's especially dangerous to people with compromised immune systems. A person can inhale the fungus when cleaning dried-out feces of pigeons. Symptoms including fatigue, fever, chest pain, and cough, and are usually developed 1 to 3 weeks after getting infected. Most people exposed to this type of fungus do not develop the symptoms and can recover on their own. However, histoplasmosis can be fatal in some cases.

Cryptococcosis
This disease is caused by a fungus known as Cryptococcus neoformans. Usually, humans get infected by coming into contact with pigeon droppings, but contact with an infected person can also lead to the spread of the infection. Cryptococcosis affects the lungs and is most dangerous for people with a compromised immune system, as healthy individuals do not usually get infected.

E. coli
E. coli is one of the most common pathogens that can be transmitted from birds to humans and cause diseases. Sometimes bird droppings can land on or in water or food supplies. The infection occurs when a person consumes contaminated food or water. Symptoms include cramps, nausea, and fever. Getting infected can be avoided by always washing food before eating it.

Salmonellosis
This is something we often call food poisoning. It spreads through infected droppings that dry out and turn into dust and contaminates food or surfaces where the food is going to be prepared. The dust from droppings makes its way into the kitchens by being sucked through air conditioners or ventilators.

St. Louis encephalitis
Humans can get infected through the bite of an infected mosquito which previously fed on a bird that carried the harmful pathogen. St. Louis encephalitis causes inflammation of the nervous system that usually leads to drowsiness, fever, and headache. In some cases, it can even lead to coma, paralysis, or death. This disease occurs in all age groups but is particularly dangerous for people over the age of 60.

Candidiasis
This is another yeast or fungus infection spread by pigeons. It usually affects the respiratory system, skin, mouth, the urogenital tract, and intestines.

Psittacosis
Psittacosis is a highly infectious bacterial pathogen, also known as Parrot Fever. Even though it mainly affects parrots, it can also be found in pigeons. Once the pigeon feces dry out and the pathogen becomes airborne, psittacosis can be transmitted to humans. Some symptoms include bloody spit, cough, fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. In more severe cases, the symptoms can mirror that of pneumonia and be fatal.