Pigeons are familiar and seem harmless, but they can pose a serious health risk to humans. Urban pigeons are carriers of many infections, parasites, and fungi, and their feces can harm both health and property.

Infectious Diseases

The most well-known disease transmitted by pigeons is psittacosis, or ornithosis. It is caused by chlamydia bacteria. People can become infected by inhaling dust containing dried particles of feces or bird excretions. Symptoms resemble a severe cold or pneumonia: high fever, cough, chills, headache. Without treatment, ornithosis can lead to serious complications, including heart and nervous system damage.

Pigeons also carry salmonella. Bacteria are released into the environment with their feces and can contaminate soil, water, and products. Infection occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces or through the consumption of unwashed products.

Additionally, pigeons can be carriers of campylobacteriosis, listeriosis, tularemia, and other dangerous infections.

Fungal Diseases

Pigeon feces provide an ideal environment for the growth of fungi. The most dangerous is histoplasmosis. Its causative agent is a fungus that grows in soil enriched with bird feces. Spores of the fungus are released into the air when it dries and inhaled by humans. Histoplasmosis affects the lungs and can be deadly for people with weakened immune systems.

Also known are cases of infection with cryptococcosis, which can cause meningitis.

Parasites

Pigeons are hosts to many parasites. Bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and lice can move from birds to residential spaces. Particularly dangerous are pigeon mites, which can cause severe allergic reactions and dermatitis in humans.

In addition, pigeons can be intermediate hosts for some helminths, although cases of human infection from pigeons are rare.

Allergies and Environmental Pollution

Dust from pigeon feces and feathers is a strong allergen. It can trigger asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and skin reactions in sensitive people.

Pigeon feces is aggressive: it contains acids that destroy paint, concrete, and metal. Pigeon flocks spoil building facades, monuments, cars, and ventilation systems.

How to Protect Yourself

The best way to avoid danger is to avoid contact with pigeons and their gatherings. Do not feed birds in parks and squares, do not touch sick or dead pigeons. When cleaning areas contaminated with feces, it is necessary to use a protective mask, gloves, and disinfectants.

If symptoms of a cold or allergy appear after contact with pigeons, you should consult a doctor and report possible contact with birds.

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