Allergies to Pigeon Droppings

Many people are delighted by the playful activities of pigeons and love to feed them bread crumbs in the park. However, these friendly "winged rats" (also known as rock doves) carry over 60 different diseases that cause respiratory symptoms similar to asthma, including shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and congestion. Cyptococcoss and Histoplasmosis, two deadly types of fungal disease associated with pigeon droppings, cause worldwide concern. Chronically infected persons can experience allergic reactions, lung, heart and brain damage, nausea, fever, diarrhea and death.

Cyptococcoss

• Sixty different diseases are transmitted by pigeons.

  Cyptococcoss (Cryptococcus neoformans), also known as Torulosis or European Blastomycosis, is traced to pigeon droppings found on elevated sites such as window ledges, roof tops and fire escapes. (Bat excrement also contains Cryptococcus.) Cyptococcoss is present throughout our environment. The human body is resilient and is normally unaffected by the small amounts encountered in daily exposure. Persons with compromised immune systems, HIV infection, surgical trauma, skin injury or any other chronic disease are at elevated risk.

  The United States Army Center For Promotion and Preventive Medicine reports, "Organic dusts, especially those contaminated with pigeon or bat droppings, are the most important source of the fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans, in the environment. C. neoformans has been found in as many as 84 percent of samples taken from old roosting sites. Up to 50-million colony forming units of C. neoformans have been found per gram of pigeon droppings."

  Every year thousands of people in countries around the world fall ill from exposure to pigeon excrement. Cyptococcoss is present in both fresh and aged pigeon droppings.

Histoplasmosis

• Allergic reactions to pigeons may cause headaches.

  Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum) is commonly found in the soil under pigeon roosting sites. However, theses infective and potentially deadly organisms are harbored in any accumulation of organic matter (water, soil or sand) contaminated by pigeon feces. Humans contract Histoplasmosis by inhaling the spore of the deadly fungus contained in dust and debris. The excrement dries and fungus and allergens are carried on the wind. (The soil around the park bench may be highly contaminated.) Histoplasmosis thrives in hot and humid climates. The majority of the people that contract the fungus will only experience mild, flu-like symptoms (headache, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, fever and chills). However, those persons with compromised immune response may experience blindness, pneumonia or death. This pigeon-borne disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Sneezing, Coughs & Congestion

• Upon exposure, allergic reactions to breathing pigeon feces is common. The dust of dried droppings irritates the nasal passages, causing sneezing, coughs, excess mucus, shortness of breath, dizziness and a sense of vertigo. Burning, itchy, red eyes are also typical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Hives, skin rashes or red patches of skin may also occur. Persons working in areas of pigeon feces should exercise all precautions. Wear a nose and mouth mask. Cover eyes with protective goggles. Wear rubber gloves. When the task is complete, shower with hot water and anti-bacterial soap. Be sure to scrub fingernails. Rinse well.

A Pretty Smart Bird

• Pigeons are the most intelligent birds in the world.

  Pigeons are the smartest birds in the world. They may also be the least-respected. Pigeons have been living with and interacting with man for over 3,000 years. Once domesticated, pigeons have multiplied in the wild and gone feral. The proliferation of the worldwide wild pigeon population presents an increase in allergic reactions and transmitted disease. Today they are the most common bird pest known.

  Pigeons have the ability to conceptualize. They are able to accomplish tasks that were previous thought only successfully accomplished by primates and humans. The pigeon can recognize its reflection in a mirror. It is the only non-mammal that has this intellectual ability. The pigeon can tell the difference between human beings in person or in a photograph. This amazing bird has the unique ability to be able to recognize the 26 letters of the English alphabet. Bred for racing and carrying messages, pigeons have served mankind well.

NIOSH

• For additional valuable information about the health problems of pigeon-related allergies and diseases, consult your health care professional. Questions and concerns regarding the health risks involved with the clean-up and removal of pigeon excrement can be answered by contacting NIOSH (the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).