Pigeons can carry a variety of diseases that can be harmful to humans. Most of these diseases, often cause mild symptoms such as a cold or stomach upset. However, some diseases carried by pigeons can cause more serious illness that infects the lungs.
There are many lung diseases that pigeons can easily spread to humans, three of the most common being histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and cryptococcosis. Lung ailments such as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Bronchial Asthma, and Chronic Bronchitis can also be contracted from pigeons.
Lung Diseases Caused By Pigeons
Pigeon Breeder’s Lung Disease
Pigeon Breeder’s Lung or bird fancier’s lung disease is an allergic reaction to avian proteins present in pigeon droppings. It is also called extrinsic allergic alveolitis. The symptoms include breathlessness, dry cough, and general fatigue. These symptoms are caused by the inflammation of the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
An assessment of a patient’s occupational and animal exposure history is necessary to diagnose this disease. The symptoms tend to develop within a few weeks of exposure to the proteins in the droppings. irreversible lung damage can occur with a chronic disease if the ailment is not diagnosed early and the exposure to the allergen is not removed.
Pigeon breeders, as the name suggests, are at a higher risk of developing this respiratory disease. However, people who live in areas where pigeons congregate are also at risk, as well as those who work in places such as lofts and warehouses that have been contaminated by pigeon droppings.
The disease is diagnosed by a skin test or a blood test for antibodies to pigeon allergen protein. Respiratory medicine specialists usually treat the disease with corticosteroids. In some cases, chronic disease may require lifelong treatment.
Pigeon fancier’s lung is a serious condition that can result in respiratory failure if not treated properly. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you think you have symptoms of the disease.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is caused by the fungus Histoplasma Capsulatum. The fungus grows in bird and bat droppings and can be found in soil that has been contaminated by these droppings.
The fungus can live in the soil for years and is often stirred up when cleaning out an old building or during construction. When the spores of the fungus are inhaled, they can cause an infection in the lungs that can be serious, or even deadly in some cases.
The disease is found throughout the world but is more common in certain areas, such as the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys in the United States. Symptoms of histoplasmosis include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and weight loss.
Histoplasmosis is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests. A skin or blood test may also be done to look for antibodies to the fungus. Treatment of histoplasmosis usually involves taking antifungal medications for several months.
Psittacosis
Psittacosis is caused by bacteria that are found in the droppings of birds, such as parrots, parakeets, and cockatiels. The disease can also be spread to humans through contact with the feathers or meat of infected birds.
Psittacosis is a serious respiratory disease that can be fatal in some cases. Symptoms of psittacosis include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, shortness of breath, and coughing. The disease is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests. A skin or blood test may also be done to look for antibodies to the bacteria. Treatment of psittacosis usually involves taking antibiotics for several weeks.
Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus Neoformans. The fungus is found in bird droppings, and can also be found in soil that has been contaminated by these droppings.
When the spores of the fungus are inhaled, they can cause an infection in the lungs that can be serious, or even deadly in some cases. The disease is found throughout the world but is more common in certain areas, such as Africa, Asia, South America, and Australia. Symptoms of cryptococcosis include fever, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and weight loss.
Cryptococcosis is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests. A skin or blood test may also be done to look for antibodies to the fungus. Treatment of cryptococcosis usually involves taking antifungal medications for several months.
Other Lung Diseases Caused By Pigeons
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs that is caused by exposure to airborne particles, such as dust, mold, or pollen. The disease can also be caused by exposure to animal proteins, such as those found in bird droppings.
Symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis include fever, chills, coughing, and shortness of breath. A common example of hypersensitivity pneumonitis is Pigeon fanciers lung or farmers lung. The disease is caused by exposure to allergen proteins in bird droppings.
The condition is triggered by an immune system reaction to the allergen proteins. The symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, the disease can be fatal. Treatment of hypersensitivity pneumonitis involves avoiding exposure to the allergens that trigger the disease. In severe cases, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs may be necessary.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The infection can spread to the lungs through the air, or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Pigeons are often carriers of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, such as Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae. The disease can also be caused by viruses, such as the influenza virus, or by fungi, such as Cryptococcus neoformans.
Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, coughing, and shortness of breath. The disease is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests. A skin or blood test may also be done to look for antibodies to the bacteria, virus, or fungus. Treatment of pneumonia usually involves taking antibiotics for several weeks. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Bronchial Asthma
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways that is caused by exposure to airborne particles, such as dust, mold, or pollen. The disease can also be caused by exposure to animal proteins, such as those found in bird feces.
Symptoms of bronchial asthma include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The symptoms may be worse at night or during physical activity.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a chronic inflammation of the airways that is caused by exposure to airborne particles, such as dust, mold, or pollen. The disease can also be caused by exposure to animal proteins, such as those found in avian droppings.
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The symptoms may be worse at night or during physical activity.
Prevention
Lung diseases caused by pigeons can be serious, but they are often preventable. By taking some simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family from these diseases.
Here are a few things you can do:
Avoid contact with pigeons, or with areas where they congregate. Areas with a high concentration of pigeons, such as parks and rooftops, can be particularly dangerous.
Wash your hands after handling pigeons, or after coming into contact with their droppings.
Don’t clean bird cages or aviaries without wearing a dust mask. Fungal spores and bacteria can be released into the air when cleaning these areas.
Don’t allow pigeons to roost on your property. A roost of pigeons will increase the number of droppings in the area, and increase the risk of exposure to these diseases.
If you live in an area where there is a lot of pigeon activity, consider installing screens on your windows and doors. This will help keep pigeons out of your home and reduce the risk of exposure to these diseases.
Keep your property clean and free of food sources that would attract pigeons. A clean property will be less attractive to pigeons and will help reduce the risk of exposure to these diseases.
If you keep pigeons as pets, take steps to prevent them from getting sick. Keep their living area clean and free of debris, and make sure they are vaccinated against common bird diseases.
Professional Bird Control
A pigeon infestation can be a serious problem as it increases the risk of exposure to lung diseases. If you have a problem with pigeons on your property, it’s important to take action to control their population.
It may be necessary to call a professional bird control company to remove the birds from your property. A professional bird control company will have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove the pigeons.
If you have a pigeon problem, don’t hesitate to call AAAC Wildlife Removal. We are family-owned and operated, and we have been providing professional bird control services for over 15 years.
Conclusion
Pigeons can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. These diseases can be caused by exposure to the avian droppings, or by inhaling the spores of the fungi that are found in the droppings.
Lung diseases are one of the most serious risks associated with pigeons. These diseases can be debilitating, and in some cases, can be fatal.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family from these diseases. By taking some basic precautions, you can minimize or eliminate the risk of exposure to these diseases.
Originally published on https://aaacwildliferemoval.com/blog/birds/lung-disease-caused-by-pigeons/
