Pigeons are familiar and seem harmless, but they can pose a serious health risk to humans. Urban pigeons are carriers of many infections, parasites, and fungi, and their feces can harm both health and property. Infectious Diseases The most well-known disease transmitted by pigeons is psittacosis, or ornithosis. It is caused by chlamydia bacteria. People can become infected by inhaling dust containing dried particles of feces or bird excretions. Symptoms resemble a severe cold or pneumonia: high fever, cough, chills, headache. Without treatment, ornithosis can lead to serious complications, including heart and nervous system damage. Pigeons also carry salmonella. Bacteria are released into the environment with their feces and can contaminate soil, water, and products. Infection occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces or through the consumption of unwashed products. Additionally, pigeons can be carriers of campylobacteriosis, listeriosis, tularemia, and other dangerous infections. Fungal Diseases Pigeon feces provide an ideal environment for the growth of fungi. The most dangerous is histoplasmosis. Its causative agent is a fungus that grows in soil enriched with bird feces. Spores of the fungus are released into the air when it dries and inhaled by humans. Histoplasmosis affects the lungs and can be deadly for people with weakened immune systems. Also known are cases of infection with cryptococcosis, which can cause meningitis. Parasites Pigeons are hosts to many parasites. Bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and lice can move from birds to residential spaces. Particularly dangerous are pigeon mites, which can cause severe allergic reactions and dermatitis in humans. In addition, pigeons can be intermediate hosts for some helminths, although cases of human infection from pigeons are rare. Allergies and Environmental Pollution Dust from pigeon feces and feathers is a strong allergen. It can trigger asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and skin reactions in sens ... Read more