Why Do Pigeons Carry Diseases?
Did you know that pigeons are often associated as a symbol of peace and innocence? Well, these birds are not as innocent as they seem to be. They are capable of transmitting a range of diseases!
But what makes pigeons carry diseases? Pigeons roost and nest in areas contaminated by human and animal waste. These locations are often harbored by viruses, fungi, and bacteria, which pigeons can carry and transmit.
But is that all to why do pigeons carry diseases? Not really. You should also know about the conditions they commonly carry and what can make you get them. So, let’s get started.
Read more about pigeon habits:
What Happens if You Touch a Pigeon?
You really do not have to be afraid of handling pigeons. These birds do not bite, and touching them will not necessarily make you get sick immediately. However, it can indeed expose you to different viruses and bacteria.
As mentioned, pigeons are known for roosting and nesting in unsanitary conditions. These environments make them carry the organisms that are harmful to human health.
So, when you are handling a pigeon, your risk of contracting a disease will increase. However, you should be fine if you maintain hygiene and not handle birds with open wounds.
Is It Safe to Pick up a Pigeon?
You should not pick up a pigeon when more vulnerable and susceptible to infections. For example, when you are pregnant or have a condition that has compromised your immune system.
In fact, it is not just about the diseases pigeons can carry. Instead, you should also worry about lice, ticks, and fleas that they might have on their bodies. That is why you should always try to admire these birds from a distance.
However, if you find a sick or injured bird, you can offer some help. Even so, the best approach is to call a local wildlife centre or animal control agency. Those professionals are trained to safely handle birds and other wild animals.
We have covered an in-depth article on “Pigeon Habits“; if interested, you can check this article here.
Can Pigeons Make You Ill?
The chances of getting sick from a pigeon are low if you do not have a compromised immune system. Yes, it is scarce for a human to get sick from a pigeon. However, you must remember the fact that these birds carry a lot of diseases.
If you do not want to get sick after handling pigeons, stick with hygiene practices.
Do Pigeons Carry Rabies?
Rabies is a disease that is carried by mammals. And as you know, birds are not mammals, which means pigeons can not carry rabies. In other words, pigeons are not the reservoir hosts of this disease.
Regarding rabies, it is mainly transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals. That includes skunks, raccoons, bats, and dogs. And yes, birds can contract rabies but are not responsible for the transmission.
Do Pigeons Carry More Diseases Than Rats?
Pigeons and rats are often associated with many diseases. However, the specific illnesses that these two carries will differ. For example, the most common disease carried by pigeons is Cryptococcosis.
On the other hand, the most known rat-related disease is leptospirosis. The method of transmission is also different. In the case of rats, the disease transmits through their saliva, urine, and faeces.
But for the pigeons, you most need to worry about their droppings. Nonetheless, comparing all the diseases that rats and pigeons carry is challenging. So, you can not surely say whether pigeons have more diseases than rats.
What Are the Most Common Diseases That Pigeons Carry?
Diseases generally associated with pigeon droppings include Cryptococcosis, Psittacosis, and Histoplasmosis. These birds can also spread E. coli and Salmonellosis.
Now, you might wonder what these diseases are and how dangerous they could be. Well, here is a brief description for each:
01. Cryptococcosis
It is a fungal infection you can get by inhaling the airborne spores of pigeon droppings.
This fungus that causes the infection can cause brain infections and severe lung damage. And you should be really weary about it if you have a weakened immune system.
02. Histoplasmosis
Another fungal infection that the pigeons are behind is Histoplasmosis. Like Cryptococcosis, you can get it when the spores of pigeon droppings get into your system.
And once you have it, you will experience flu-like symptoms and respiratory problems.
03. Psittacosis
Unlike the above two, Psittacosis is a bacterial infection. But like those two, this bacteria grows in the droppings. And pigeons can also carry it on their bodies, such as feathers.
When the bacteria enters your body, you will first have flu-like symptoms. And eventually, it will damage your respiratory system.
04. E. Coli
This bacterial infection usually transmits through contaminated food or water. But it can also spread through pigeon droppings. Once you get it, you will face abdominal pain and may have severe diarrhoea.
05. Salmonellosis
You can get Salmonellosis through contaminated food or when exposed to pigeon droppings. The bacteria that causes this disease might also be present in pigeons’ feathers. And this disease will cause diarrhoea and extreme fever.
How to Prevent Diseases From Pigeons?
Although the disease carried by pigeons may sound dangerous, there are easy ways to prevent them. Yes, you do not have to be too weary about these diseases. Instead, you need to take these few precautionary steps:
Cover Food and Water
Keep food and water exposed in an area with only a few pigeons around. If the fungus or bacteria carried by pigeons end up on the food and water, you will get sick.
Avoid Handling Wild Birds
Though pigeons will not make you sick when you touch or handle them, it is better not to. And even if you do, you should wash your hands for at least two minutes with soap. Also, wash your clothes.
Clean Pigeon Droppings As Soon As Possible
Pigeons are known for popping everywhere. So, if you have pigeons, do not let their droppings be around you for too long. Clean and sanitize the area when you spot their droppings. And make sure to wear protective gear while doing so.
Final Words
So, to answer why pigeons carry diseases, you must consider how these birds lead their lives. They roost and nest in areas where different fungi and bacteria thrive. And that eventually makes them a proper host for disease.
Still, if you follow hygiene practices correctly, it will be possible for you to avoid all of the diseases that pigeons carry. And if you wash your hands after handling and touching these birds, you do not have much to worry about.
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Article References:
- https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/pigeon.page
- https://www.terminix.com/blog/education/can-pigeons-spread-disease/
- https://blog.birdbarrier.com/how-pigeons-spread-psittacosis-why-so-dangerous
- https://www.pestdefence.co.uk/news/what-diseases-are-carried-by-pigeons-and-other-birds/
- https://www.cdc.gov/rabiesandkids/animals.html
- https://www.cleankill.co.uk/news/pigeons-carry-more-diseases-rats
- https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/pigeon.page
Image Credit:
- Canva.com/photos
