Is feces from the pigeon dangerous to the touch or to breathe in?

It is not a good idea to be in contact with the droppings of the animals. You have to follow the right hygiene protocols and ensure that there is no infection. This being said, you may have some concerns about the pigeons. They are known to enter into any building in an easy way.

Three human diseases are known to be caused by the pigeons: crypotoccosis, psittacosis and histoplasmosis.

Hisptoplasmosis is an illness which is caused by fungus, and it is found throughout the entire world. It can be in pigeon droppings or in the soil. Normal activities may make a person exposed to such fungus. However, to get sick a person will have to breathe in a high level of fungus in order to suffer a serious infection.

The symptoms may start to manifest themselves within ten days after the exposure. They include fatigue, fever and chest pain. However, many people will not develop any infection even when they have breathed in too much of the fungus. People will always be exposed to the fungus even with normal activities.

Crystocossis is another disease that results from the fungus. However, as with histoplasmosis, the fungus is easily found around the world in the soil or it can be found within pigeon guano. People who suffer from a compromised immune system will be at risk of getting the diseases from the droppings of the pigeon.

Psittacosis is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. It is rare and it will affect parrots and other birds with the same features as parrots such as parakeets and cockatiels. However, they will affect pigeons sometimes. When the droppings of the birds become dry, bacteria will turn airborne and may infect humans.

The symptoms of this sickness can take place within ten days of infection. They will include fatigue, headaches, rash, chill and fever. However, the disease is easily treated using antibiotics.

It has been noted that fewer cases of people who suffer from these diseases are being reported in the US. For more than 70 percent of the cases that were reported, the problem was with a pet bird, not with the feral pigeon guano. People who own pet shops or their employees are more at risk along with bird owners who have problems with their immune system.

It is good if you follow all the good hygiene practices and then dispose of animal droppings in a safe and contained manner. If you are dealing with the pigeons, make sure that you have gloves and you have put on the surgical mask so that you can prevent the cases of getting disease. Some chemicals available at the market may be used in cleaning up a pigeon’s mess in a safer manner.

Go back to the How to Get Rid of Pigeons page or email us if you have any other questions about Is feces from the pigeon dangerous to the touch or to breathe in?