Pigeons spread various bacteria, viruses, fungi and ectoparasites, many of which can be present in their droppings.
Diseases associated with pigeon droppings include Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis and Psittacosis.
Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection is caused by inhaling airborne spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. In some cases, it can lead to severe respiratory distress, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Psittacosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, carried by pigeon dropping. Humans most commonly catch the disease by inhaling dust containing feathers, secretions and droppings from infected birds. In severe cases, pneumonia develops. Rare complications may include encephalitis or myocarditis.
Cryptococcosis is caused by yeast found in pigeon dropping. The illness often begins as a pulmonary disease and may later affect the central nervous system.
Another health problems linked to pigeon droppings is food poisoning due to the presence of bacteria, Salmonella and E. coli.
Ectoparasites are carried by pigeons, such as fleas, ticks, and mites. Bites from these ectoparasites can cause skin irritations, allergic reactions, and, in some cases, transmit diseases.
Mumbai’s pigeon population has exploded in recent years and the city’s leading pulmonologists point to that rise as the reason behind a fivefold increase in cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a severe inflammation of the lungs.
“It’s a terrible, progressive condition,” said pulmonologist Dr. Prabhudesai in an interview with CBC News, adding that in chronic cases, hypersensitivity pneumonitis causes irreversible scarring to the lungs, which can require the patient to be on a constant supply of oxygen, or even lead to a lung transplant.
