Diseases Carried by Birds

Pest birds such as pigeons are well known to carry a range of diseases and are hosts to other insect pests. Humans can also develop symptoms similar to influenza from the spores in bird droppings.

Professional bird control is not only critical to avoid damage to your property but also to minimise the health risks posed by the presence of certain birds.

Pigeons, for example, are hosts to parasitic pests such as ticks, fleas and bird mites, which can spread to people. They are commonly found on birds, their droppings and nesting materials. These parasites can invade buildings in search of a new food source.

Some of the diseases carried by pigeons could make you seriously ill. It is important to act at the first sign of a bird infestation to avoid these associated health hazards.

• Salmonella — this bacterium is deposited where pigeons or gulls defecate. It can lead to Salmonellosis and Paratyphoid fever.
• Histoplasmosis — a disease caused by a fungus, which grows in pigeon droppings. When cleaning droppings a person may breathe in some of the fungus, which in cases of high exposure can cause serious infection.
• Ornithosis — this infection can be transmitted by inhaling the harmful bacteria from dried droppings or handling feathers of infected pigeons.
• Bird mites — often found in nests and roosting places. They feed mainly on bird blood but will also bite humans.

Worried about the danger of birds on your property? Call us now at 0 800 1 333 777 for expert advice.