3 Most Common Diseases that Pest Birds Carry

There are over 60 diseases that birds and their droppings can carry. The problem is especially worrisome in residential areas since many of these diseases are airborne and can be transferred to humans just by being around bird droppings. People can get these diseases by not wearing gloves, eye protection, and face masks (proper PPE) when cleaning bird droppings and nests from covered surfaces. Here are the three most common diseases carried by birds.

1. Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease that may be fatal. It results from a fungus growing in dried bird droppings. The fungal particulates can be accidentally inhaled when cleaning bird droppings, and high exposure can cause infection. Symptoms begin to appear about 10 days after initial infection and include fatigue, fever, and chest pains. That said, most people will not show any symptoms. However, those with compromised immune systems due to cancer or HIV/AIDS are generally more at risk of developing histoplasmosis. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported a potentially blinding eye condition—presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS)—that may be caused by the fungus.

2. Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is caused by yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons and starlings. A fungal disease associated with pigeon droppings, cryptococcosis often begins as a pulmonary disease and may later affect the central nervous system. Those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of contracting the disease, which occurs when inhaling the yeast-like cells of the organism. Cryptococcosis occurs in two forms: The generalized form begins with a lung infection and spreads to other areas of the body, particularly the central nervous system, and is usually fatal unless treated. The more rare cutaneous (skin) form is characterized by acne-like skin eruptions or ulcers with nodules just under the skin.

3. Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis often occurs as "food poisoning" and is caused by bacteria found in bird droppings. When dried bird droppings are aerated by wind and ventilation systems, they can contaminate food and cooking surfaces in restaurants, homes, and food processing plants.

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Bird B Gone has decades of combined experience in the field of bird control. We can help you with product selection, installation, and cleanup. Just call us at 800-392-6915 for a catalog, pricing, or product samples, or email us at nobirds@birdbgone.com. We also work with a network of authorized installers—call today to connect with a trained bird control professional in your area.