The Lowdown On Diseases Carried by Pigeons
Pigeons are known to spread a number of diseases. Since they are everywhere, they are also sometimes called rats with wings. This may be a harsh way of describing pigeons, but they are vermin that are known to transmit a number of serious diseases. This is why authorities have to take a number of steps to curb their numbers.
The feral pigeons have come down from rock doves and are able to easily live among humans. When they live in great numbers, they pose a major health risk. Their droppings and feathers are home to many diseases that can badly affect human beings. Here is a brief look at the diseases carried by pigeons.
Histoplasmosis
This is a fungal disease that can be transmitted by pigeons. Chicken coops and old barns as well as other similar places are perfect for the spread of this disease. If you are cleaning these areas, then when you inhale the spores, you can contract histoplasmosis.
Cryptococcosis
This is another fungal disease that is spread from nesting sites. Worryingly, about eighty-four percent of such sites are known to be infected. Dry pigeon droppings that remain in an abandoned roost can contain this fungus, and if you inhale the spores of this fungus, then you can come down with cryptococcosis. Its symptoms include pneumonia-like symptoms, shortness of breath and coughing. These infections however are mild and the symptoms may not even show up at first.
Psittacosis
This is a vicious disease spread by pigeons and is sometimes referred to as parrot fever or ornithosis. This disease can be transmitted from one person to another after their droppings have dried out and then entered the atmosphere. Common symptoms include bloody sputum and dry cough as well as fatigue, fever and chills.
Toxoplasmosis
This is a disease that one normally associates with cat feces. The disease is caused by a parasite and its symptoms may not show up at once. It normally affects people whose immune system is weak and it is also known to affect pregnant women who can even transmit the infection to their babies. Common symptoms include fever and muscle pain as well as fatigue and swollen lymph glands and pain in the chest.
Besides the above-mentioned diseases carried by pigeons, there are a number of lesser diseases that one should learn about. These include candiasis and St. Louis Encephalitis as well as E. coli. The first named is a fungus infection that is spread by pigeons and it affects your skin and mouth as well as respiratory system. The St. Louis encephalitis disease can cause the following symptoms including but not limited to fever, headache, dizziness and nausea. E. coli is a disease that is transmitted via the pigeon droppings. Its symptoms include dehydration, abdominal pain and fatigue.
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