Diseases carried by pigeons. Beware of psittacosis or Why is it dangerous to hand feed pigeons? How can city pigeons be dangerous to humans?

The very combination of these words evokes in many of us feelings of care and tenderness, security and tenderness. But is this harmonious combination as it seems to most of us? Are pigeons dangerous for tiny babies?

Is it possible to feed pigeons in the city to pregnant women and small children? who have weakened or have not yet developed strong immunity?

Be careful, pigeons are contagious! They are carriers of infections

Pigeons are often carriers of many types of viral infections. Of almost a hundred avian diseases, according to various sources, from 7 to 10 are transmitted to humans. Some diseases can lead to the most severe consequences. Therefore, we should not completely ignore such things as a child’s contact with animals and birds, about whose health we know nothing.

You should not trust strangers, especially stray animals. If we have our own pets, we make sure to take all the precautions possible. Although, sometimes there were exceptional cases in our family, like the one I described in the article about, which we once brought from the Carpathians.

Squirrels and other animals and birds, especially exotic ones, can often pose a threat to human health, especially a small child. Therefore, you need to be careful when choosing pets.

On the street, we can avoid many dangers if we remember that a dog can frighten or bite, a cat can scratch or infect difficult-to-treat shingles, and pigeons are much more contagious than rats.

What to do, you ask. You can’t hide from everything; sterility is not the best way out. The baby will have to live in this world full of dangers. He must get used to dealing with any negativity that comes his way.

Yes it is. But why expose a fragile body to excessive stress, testing its strength - will it withstand it or not?

Children feeding pigeons on a walk in the city

Advice for expectant mothers. If you like to feed different animals and birds, then refrain from this during pregnancy.

You should also be wary of pigeons taking off in unison, when a dog, cyclist or child rushes at them with great pleasure, driving the flock away from the feeding site.

At this moment, a huge number of various pathogens of infectious diseases fly into the baby’s face, eyes, and mouth, instantly penetrating the respiratory tract and inside the mucous membranes.

Most likely, those who suffer from allergic diseases or are well aware of the dangers of being near sick birds and animals.

I can advise others to walk as far as possible from pigeons. Let the child grow up and get stronger. Let his body get accustomed to various types of stress and testing gradually. While the baby is in the stroller, you definitely don’t belong near pigeons.

Let the baby learn to protect and love nature in all its manifestations. Focus your child's attention on the positive aspects, on the beautiful. But admire the birds from afar, and teach your baby to do so.

You can always figure out how to avoid close contact with something unwanted. It’s better not to teach it right away than to have once allowed it and then not know how to correct the situation. A child does not understand this illogical behavior of adults, when at first something is possible, and then not.

You should not throw bad words at any birds or animals. Moreover, sooner or later you can still start to come closer to them and even feed them.

But let it be later, when the child is old enough not to drag pieces of bread or cookies that have fallen to the ground into his mouth, when he will not rub his eyes and face with dirty hands.

Of course, you can object to me by saying that in this case you carry with you wet wipes. But do you always have time to use them? And how thoroughly can they wipe away something that is wedged deep into the skin, and even more so, into the mucous membranes? And is your baby strong enough at the moment?

Over time, as your child grows and his immune system strengthens, you will begin to introduce your baby to the world around him much more closely than when he was little.

Do not rush to immediately let your child go where pigeons constantly graze. Feed them from afar first. Drop the food and move away. Don't let the birds flap their wings over the child's head.

Watch the flock. If you notice liquid droppings or at least one of the birds with the following symptoms: disheveled, lethargic, with crooked fingers or paws, with faded or sticky plumage, as if wet, with split feathers, as if they were trimmed with small scissors, then leave immediately ! Don't tempt fate.

There are flocks of pigeons with beautiful bright shiny plumage. , timid, quick in their reactions. These are the ones you choose so that your child can feed them. But do not forget that even the healthiest-looking pigeons can be carriers of infection.

I am familiar with the opinions of ornithologists, veterinarians, zoologists, pigeon breeders, infectious disease specialists and some medical specialists about the supposedly greatly exaggerated, or even incorrect, representation of the situation. But nevertheless, I would not ignore the opinion of the main part of health care and pest control experts.

In the same animal shelters, some birds are cured, and some are destroyed due to the danger of spreading infection. Moreover, the bird and everything that came into contact with it are burned, and the soil in a layer of at least 5 cm is removed for disposal or disinfected with bleach.

Animal activists usually remain silent about this. But they constantly talk and write about the fact that pigeons “extremely rarely” can be a source of the spread of viruses and microbes and therefore pose virtually no danger to humans.

Judge for yourself. If pigeons are so harmless, then why do they periodically different countries At different times, decisions were made at the government level about their shooting, catching, and destruction in various ways, including humane ones - with the help of falcons and hawks. In other capitals it is strictly forbidden to feed them even now.

In contrast to the superstition that being “marked” by a bird means good luck, you should be wary of pigeon droppings, because they are not only poisonous.

Sociologists draw a parallel between the number of homeless people, pigeons and infectious diseases. Therefore, you should pay attention to where you live - in a dangerous zone or not. It is worth considering both environmental and economic conditions. Where there are no homeless people, there is no need to be afraid of birds. They are generally healthy and harmless. Of course, if it's clean at all.

If your student’s Mantoux reaction is within dangerous limits, then I do not advise you to allow sick birds to be handled. And let him stay away from their feeding places until he develops a strong immunity.

I learned about this addiction from phthisiatricians when my babies’ Mantoux reaction began to increase and I had to regularly take them to sanatoriums.

Having gone through a difficult path of strength testing, I believe that I have the right to advise others to take care of their children, and themselves too, if your health leaves much to be desired at the moment.

We live in Kyiv, where dispensary patients quite often walk around, including those with an open form of tuberculosis. There are also plenty of sick homeless people. Since there is a relationship between the health of people and birds, then the danger from pigeons is a pressing issue for us.

If you live in a clean area, then this most likely does not concern you. So it’s useful to filter any advice. As I usually like to say, listen to many, but do as you see fit. That's why we are given a head to think.

It is possible that your children and pigeons are a very compatible unit. If in the place where you live or walk with your child there is no danger from pigeons, then feeding pigeons to children can only bring joy and develop a sense of caring for the world around them. Wonderful emotions while walking with your child - what could be better and more useful?

We feed pigeons in Truskavets in spring. Unroasted seeds were bought especially for them. By the way, they don’t eat bread there.

Viral epidemics of pigeons in different cities in different years occur at approximately the same time. This usually happens during extreme heat and after droughts, when undisposed waste accumulates en masse.

The grown up young pigeons are not yet strong enough. During the period of hatching chicks and feeding their offspring, adult pigeons became very weak. In conditions of prolonged heat and poor-quality drinking and nutrition, both of them have a sharply weakened immune system.

Pigeons are immediately affected by a mass of viral infections, some of which are very dangerous to humans. Especially for children and adults with weak immune systems.

For those who like to feed birds

Feed the birds and animals outside with high-quality food! This is especially true for compassionate grandmothers. Many of you cannot buy normal grain for your birds, but feed sour products. This causes digestive upset in pigeons.

Don't give rancid millet to pigeons! And for those who don’t know, I’ll explain.

Millet is very useful. When we cook porridge for ourselves, we make sure it is fresh. We rinse thoroughly, otherwise the millet porridge will taste bitter. We do not use stale food in any way. Is it dangerous!

In the same way, millet is thoroughly washed before cooking in villages and villages by those who feed it to chickens. Otherwise, a mass death of chicks will begin.

So why do many people treat free birds so cruelly? If you care about the environment, then do it humanely! Feed pigeons with high-quality and healthy products, and not with whatever comes to hand, just to entertain your children. This will do no good to the pigeons or children! - Only harm!

If in Moscow young people mainly chase grandmothers so that they do not ruin the health of pigeons and people, then in Kyiv, on the contrary, young mothers and fathers themselves do evil, placing their babies in the very heat of pigeon infections.

What bird droppings are there where you feed the pigeons in the presence of your children! - The majority of birds have severe diarrhea!

Watch how pigeons behave in your yard, square, park! Now is the month of August. Until the coldest weather, healthy pigeons should stock up on vitamins and microelements almost the entire daylight hours and gain fat for the entire winter. Strong flocks now do not sit near people, begging for food like homeless vagabonds.

On the contrary, they graze on grass and trees, eating various seeds and berries. I saw pigeons grazing in clean wastelands and clearings. They scatter throughout the area and tirelessly peck and peck. In the silence you can hear their beaks clicking. This is really nice to see and hear! And they also catch a lot of insects. The birds are working!

From time to time, flocks of pigeons fly to clean reservoirs to drink and make good flights, chasing themselves and their young. In this way, they strengthen themselves physically and take care of the health of their offspring.

Prepare some grains, legumes, seeds, fruits, vegetables and berries for the winter. During periods of prolonged and damp cold weather, it is difficult for birds and animals. That’s when human help will really be appropriate.

In severe frosts, I sometimes feed all my supplies to crows, pigeons, sparrows, titmice and other birds. Help the pigeons in need, too, but don’t turn them into year-round beggars! Let them be strong, healthy and beautiful! And most importantly - useful and safe!

Think about what function should birds perform in nature? What is their purpose on our mother Earth? What will happen if birds, instead of being orderlies, themselves become an infection?

I hope that I did not work on this material in vain. I am very worried about my little Kievites.

Where are the children of the pigeons

Where do pigeons hide their children? Where do little pigeon chicks fly? — People most often ask such questions in late summer and autumn.

I answer. Birds give birth almost all year round - from two to five times. In winter - rarely.

The female warms up the first clutch. Then the male feeds the chicks. And the female sits on the next clutch.

At first the chicks are tiny, ugly, blind and almost entirely naked. After about a month, the babies begin to fly out of the nest. But the strongest survive.

The size of the pigeons is similar to that of an adult. Taking a closer look, you will notice that they are not so powerful. The paws are thin. The beak appears longer due to the lack of feathers on it.

Habitats: attics, ventilation shafts, abandoned buildings, very dense tree crowns, sometimes balconies.

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To the entry “Are pigeons dangerous? - Yes, they are contagious and dangerous” 54 comments

I don't like city animals. Firstly, this is their unnatural habitat. Secondly, they are carriers of a huge number of viruses and bacteria.
Once I was in the attic and saw at the same time the home, birthplace, toilet and cemetery of pigeons. All in one place. It's horrible!!! The smell still evokes...

While reading this article, for some reason I was reminded of the proverb: “Don’t go into the forest if you’re afraid of wolves.” In the familiar city of Pechora, near the monastery there is a sign “Pigeon feeding place”. So there are always tourists with small children feeding pigeons. I should show the monks your article. After all, not only “clean” monks live there, but there are also a lot of “dirty” homeless people living there. If the monastery is well maintained, then the city itself has been turned into a dump. Garbage containers in some places have not been collected since the fall.
Children always love to feed the pigeons. I watch it often. And now I came from my mother, where pigeons fly to her every day, at the same time. She feeds them millet and loves them very much. He pours cereal, stands nearby, guards so that the crows do not fly. Crows are stronger than pigeons, pigeons usually fly away. And for some reason there are a lot of crows in our village!
My husband specifically buys a bag of seeds so that the children can feed the pigeons. But they drive them with the same pleasure. I have always been annoyed by compassionate grandmothers who start shouting at two-year-old children so that they don’t chase the pigeons. After all, the child’s goal is not to drive away, but to catch up. It's good that pigeons are faster)
Oh, how many things need to be taken into account in order for the child to be healthy!... Of course, everything depends on the attitude of the parents, on their attentiveness and their own hygiene. Sterility is also harmful, it has already been proven. Everything requires moderation and common sense.
Yes, Irina, I had an idea that pigeons are carriers of various “infections,” but I didn’t know that the situation was so serious. In my yard I see mothers with small children feeding the birds; the children manage to pick up half-eaten pieces of bread and crumble it again. Noooo, now I’ll have an educational conversation among mothers - we need to take care of our children!
In order to develop immunity, you need contact with various agents of infection, but, of course, to a reasonable extent. Therefore, the responsibility of parents here is great. If you completely protect children from animals, then they will probably start to get sick from every collision with them. I am for a moderate, reasonable approach, without extremes.
Pigeons can be fed without contact.
I myself have been a cat lover since childhood. She picked up stray cats, fed them, and took them home while the adults were not at home. And I never got infected with anything from them.
An incredibly wonderful article that brings us closer to the natural world around us. Especially children who are happy when they run after pigeons, I just remember myself as a child, when, also walking in the park, I liked to feed the pigeons from my hand and when they are so close and pleasant, these moments of childhood unforgettable joy.
Sincerely Denis!
Your article is very heartfelt, my children love feeding pigeons. A woman lives in our building, she always feeds the pigeons and says that the pigeon is God’s bird...
I hope that our pigeons are mostly healthy. My children and I, when they were little, fed pigeons directly from our hands. We have places where pigeons are constantly fed and they are already accustomed to humans.
Irina Olegovna, your recommendations are simply a miracle. I myself love feeding pigeons, but I didn’t really think about such a danger...
Interestingly, we were even in St. Petersburg, I always took something in my purse, I even bought sunflower seeds with a friend to feed the pigeons... in short, I myself am still like a child...
Very interesting material. I didn’t previously attach any importance to the fact that bird droppings can be poisonous. I immediately remembered how in Smolensk in the park a huge number of crows were sitting in the trees and they were all marking people. It was necessary to buzz under an umbrella, since they flew in flocks and did not forget to mark on the fly. What luck here :) But you can find pigeons everywhere. And, indeed, there is a temptation to hand feed. Your information sobers up from this temptation.
Like many people born in the village, I chased pigeons as a child; they are very graceful and beautiful. Not many people know that there are a large number of breeds of domestic pigeons. Often all knowledge ends with carrier pigeons. And I really want to say that children and pigeons are wonderful. But unfortunately you are right, pigeons in cities are a problem.
And I loved chasing pigeons as a child! And I also loved feeding them. I didn’t even think about the fact that they were dangerous until my friend from Vladisotok said that there were no pigeons in their city. It turns out that they are being exterminated there somehow.
We didn’t chase pigeons, but we always liked to feed them. Of course you need to be careful. But children and pigeons are children’s communication with nature, love for all living things. Very often in a city or park I watch people feeding pigeons - it’s a very pleasant sight, I always want to smile and feed the pigeons too.
And my mother feeds a couple of pigeons every day in the kitchen (on the windowsill).
What an interesting and relevant topic, well, who hasn’t fed the pigeons? On the contrary, this has always been encouraged by both teachers and society, but hardly anyone has thought about this side of the coin. Thank you, Irina, you enlightened us, let’s be careful...
The article is useful, interesting and timely. You should be careful of pigeons. Although I kept pigeons in my younger years, they were different birds. They were well fed, flew for hours and landed only on the dovecote. These, I think, are safe, but a hungry pigeon picking up food in an unknown location may turn out to be infectious.
And here we are right in kindergarten feeders for pigeons are located 🙁 next to the playground for the little ones ((And the pigeons are already fed there, they eat directly from your hands. Somehow I never thought before that this could be harmful ((
Last fall, a girl I know, she is only seven years old, was seriously ill with meningitis. Doctors say that the source of infection with this disease is pigeons. Now the girl avoids all the pigeons.
Information about the pigeon “infection” is greatly exaggerated and was widespread several years ago. Currently, many studies indicate that the chance of becoming infected with anything from pigeons is much lower (!) than from any other animal. The same ornithosis - almost all cases of infection are associated with the acquisition of exotic birds (parrots, for example) into the house. In addition, we should not forget that pigeons are revered in Orthodoxy. Besides, they are very cute creatures. If you have been connected with them at least once, for example, hatched a chick, then this love for them will be forever. Winter is coming - the birds are hungry, feed the birds!
- They may look cute, but... I witnessed several cases when these cute birds landed a seven-year-old boy on his butt, taking off in a flock. How many times did I have to react so that they wouldn’t crash into me? They are generally very cruel towards their relatives. One more picture. The grandmother and grandson decided to feed the bread to the pigeons so as not to throw it away. The grandmother and grandson left quietly. And then it began... 5-6 birds flew in one by one. At first everything seemed to be peaceful. Everyone went to their own piece. A few minutes later, several more friendlier pigeons arrived. And then it began. They attacked the first flock to take away the food. They pecked them anywhere, including the back of the head. At first the first flock resisted, but not for long; they had to surrender. It was a brutal sight, not for the faint of heart. Hunger is not a big deal. Looking at such a spectacle, I thought, if the birds of the world behave in this way, what can I say about others. People be careful. Beware of wild and feral animals, they are dangerous to both health and life. Be a worthy example to your children and grandchildren. Love animals at home without fanaticism, but also without unnecessary snot. Who, if not we, will pass on our invaluable experience to our children and grandchildren in relation to animals.
  Sincerely, Vasily Solovyov

Dear friends, I used to think the same way as the author of the article. Somehow I picked up a sick bird and...I don’t pass by it anymore. I learned how to treat all pigeon diseases. Birds live at home all the time and many are undergoing treatment. The world world helped me with this, where caring people save birds. I’ve been doing this for several years and, as you can see, I’m alive and well. You can only get ornithosis and salmonellosis from a pigeon if you don’t wash your hands and eat it raw.
The infection turned out to be exaggerated - and everyone who treats pigeons is a living example of this.
Moreover, I am a doctor myself, having graduated from college with honors.
Love pigeons, don’t turn away from someone else’s misfortune, feed them with pelovka, not bread and millet, and just wash your hands! That's all!

By the way, I scoured the entire Internet - I typed this and that - “How many people became infected from pigeons”, “Statistics of the number of cases of diseases transmitted to people from pigeons”, “Cases of people becoming infected from pigeons”, etc. - and not a single line! - And one more thing: - why was I, climbing through attics in childhood and youth and killing dozens of pigeons, so that I could then pluck, gut, tar, cook and eat them at home (the teacher’s family was starving), - I did not become infected with anything! - although, - I began to go bald after 40, and treated caries in 3 teeth! - probably because of the pigeons. And the destruction of poultry on farms (allegedly due to the likelihood of infection with bird flu) was deliberately carried out by an anti-people government in order to make money on the import of imported chickens, destroying Agriculture countries. It was also “the pigs’ fault,” if you remember. But now Obama is “to blame”! - And if pigeons are still enemies of human life, then catch them all and take them to prison for food - they will only say thank you! - Or do they chew rancid moldy millet with rotten frozen potatoes? In short: - If pigeons bother people, they (the pigeons) need to be poisoned and the issue closed.
Varvara, you shouldn’t be making noise here. Any phenomenon in society is connected by many connections with other processes occurring in it. You are mistaken if you think that discussion of the article should take place only at the level: “Pigeons poop and pee or poop.” The ability to philosophize is one of the main qualities that distinguishes a person from an animal.
And regarding the article to which you provide a link, I can say the following. God has not issued a license to serve any representative of either a world religion or a sectarian religion. So people serve as best they can, some by strictly observing the canons, and some by making a point. They will repent, if necessary, and God will forgive.
Usually people like the author have children who are always sick, they themselves say it’s good for the pigeons to be chased... who said that? About 50 years ago, pigeons ate from people’s hands, now you can hardly find them... so that’s why your greenhouse babies are always sick, because you care about them too much, you’re afraid to open the window at home... all the diseases of pigeons, almost all are passed on to them by people. As for the comment, why do they make comments when your larvae chase pigeons and other animals, because today’s mothers have no culture, I saw how the larvae of such mothers kick cats and puppies and this mother doesn’t even make a remark! If you tell a child that a cat is dangerous, a bird too, a puppy, then this may cause not fear, but hatred of the animal! And most importantly, in the article the phrase “beast” was noticed in relation to urban animals, so the animal is a person!
People. Do not feed birds large pieces of bread. Birds become infected from each other through pieces of bread. grind to the size of one piece one mouthful of bird. It's so sad to see sick pigeons. Don't throw food, don't put out plates of food for animals, or feed one and put away the dishes. Paul
I would never have thought that pigeons were so contagious. My children hand feed them on the playground. Before going outside, be sure to take some millet or bread. Now I know. Thank you for the article.

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The dove has long been considered a completely peace-loving creature. Unpretentious birds always lived next to people, fed by hand and evoked universal affection. And few people realize that sometimes they can be a source of serious danger to human health and even life.

Pigeons can cause serious diseases in humans.

Hundreds of pathogens can be carried by pigeons, many of which humans can be exposed to.

The following bacterial diseases of pigeons can be transmitted to humans:

psittacosis, or psittacosis;
acute intestinal infection, or salmonellosis;
intestinal infection campylobacteriosis;
infectious listeriosis;
acute focal infection tularemia;
pseudotuberculosis, or yersiniosis.

Chlamydia enters the human body through the respiratory tract and is the causative agent of ornithosis. Bacteria that are dangerous to humans infect the lungs. The patient begins to cough, and respiratory failure and shortness of breath become apparent. These bacteria are then carried through blood vessels throughout the body.

Signs of general intoxication with psittacosis are:

aching bones;
muscle ailments;
elevated body temperature.

With psittacosis, the liver, spleen, and nerve endings are affected. A chronic form of psittacosis is possible.

How can you become infected:

in direct contact with a sick bird;
when inhaling particles of feces, mucus, or pigeon down that have dried and turned into dust.

Psittacosis, common in pigeons, affects the human spleen and liver, and also affects nerve endings.

Psittacosis is sometimes compared to avian rabies. A sick bird can die from it. Most often, pigeons transmit psittacosis to children: children are so interested in coming closer to the bird while feeding, holding it or petting it.

Pigeons usually become infected with psittacosis by eating leftover food dumped in garbage cans and trash cans. This disease is treatable, but is not always diagnosed on time. If the disease is not treated, serious consequences are possible.

Intestinal infection (salmonellosis)

One of the most common diseases that can be contracted from a pigeon is salmonellosis. Salmonella bacteria are found in droppings.

How can you become infected:

if personal hygiene is not observed - through unwashed hands;
when eating food that is prepared outside the home.

With salmonellosis, the patient experiences gastrointestinal distress. The patient's stomach cuts like a knife, he is tormented by vomiting, diarrhea, and his health is sharply worsened by high fever. The stool appears greenish and has an unpleasant odor.

You can become infected with salmonellosis if you do not follow personal hygiene rules and consume food on the street.

Campylobacteriosis

How to get inside:

due to unwashed hands;
with contaminated food.

The main symptom of the disease is gastrointestinal dysfunction. Nausea and nagging abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea are characteristic of campylobacteriosis. The stool has a liquid consistency, a sharp unpleasant odor, and sometimes blood can be observed. High fever for more than 3 days and deterioration in health also accompany the course of the disease. Symptoms last longer than 3-4 days. Muscle and joint pain are noted.

In chronic campylobacteriosis, the symptoms remain, only their form is less pronounced. In the absence of proper treatment, a person experiences weight loss, fatigue increases, and strength is lost. Women who have this disease sometimes experience specific vaginal discharge.

This disease is treatable; it is important to be able to detect it in time and take all necessary measures.

Campylobacteriosis leads to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, but can be successfully treated with timely diagnosis.

Infectious listeriosis

People rarely catch this disease, but sometimes it happens. The disease is transmitted through mucus secreted by the pigeon and feces.

Possible routes of infection:

fecal-oral;
airborne dust;
contact-household.

Symptoms of listeriosis resemble allergies. Sometimes a rash appears on the skin, and swollen lymph nodes may occur. When bacteria damage the nervous system, meningitis or encephalitis sometimes develops. Due to delayed treatment of the disease, death is possible. With timely treatment of listeriosis, unpleasant consequences can be avoided.

Infectious listeriosis rarely affects humans, and its symptoms are similar to common allergies.

Acute focal infection (tularemia)

Pigeons can carry this disease without experiencing any unpleasant symptoms.

How can you become infected:

through contact with a sick pigeon;
through food and drink that turns out to be infected.

Fever, pain in the temples, and loss of appetite are symptoms of tularemia. It may cause a rash on the face and mucous membranes, and swelling.

Harmful bacteria are destroyed by a course of antibiotics.

Tularemia is practically safe for pigeons, but people suffer from it much worse.

Bacterial pseudotuberculosis

Most often, young children are susceptible to this disease. A child can become infected by consuming food or drink contaminated with bacteria carried by pigeons.

Harmful bacteria contribute to damage:

stomach and intestines;
spleen;
liver.

Most often, rashes are observed on the body. General poisoning of the body is noted. From the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea are possible. Joint and muscle pain are characteristic of the course of this disease. Pseudotuberculosis is treated with antibiotics.

Bacterial pseudotuberculosis affects internal organs humans and requires intensive treatment with antibiotics.

Fungal disease cryptococcosis

A large number of cryptococcus yeasts are found in pigeon droppings. Through airborne dust and through uncleaned air conditioners used in everyday life, these fungi enter people's homes and contribute to their infection with cryptococcosis.

People with weakened immune defenses are most often susceptible to the disease.

What happens to a person with cryptococcosis:

under the influence of fungi, the respiratory system and brain are affected;
granulomas form in the connective tissue of the lungs;
the patient is exhausted by a dry cough and chest pain;
If the brain is damaged by the infection, the patient feels nauseous and suffers from a headache.

Without proper treatment, this disease is life-threatening.

Without proper treatment, cryptococcosis can even be fatal.

Toxoplasmosis

The disease can affect many human organs, but the brain is most susceptible to it.

Signs of toxoplasmosis are:

severe nausea;
slight impairment of motor coordination;
significant visual impairment.

The disease is treated with chemotherapy and antibiotics.

Toxoplasmosis is a very dangerous disease, especially for young children and pregnant women.

Newcastle disease

Pigeons secrete a virus in their droppings and nasal mucus that can infect humans with Newcastle disease. The virus continues to remain active in dust particles.

How the disease is transmitted:

through human inhalation of harmful particles;
if personal hygiene is not observed after contact with a sick bird.

Veterinarians and people caring for birds get sick most often.

Possible symptoms of the disease:

A man has a sore throat.
A runny nose occurs.
The sick person is shivering.
The temperature rises slightly.
There is swelling of the eyelids.
Sometimes the lymph nodes of the neck and head become inflamed.

Newcastle disease often affects people who have frequent contact with birds.

This disease is especially terrible in childhood. The virus can enter a child's brain, causing viral encephalitis.

The disease is treated in different ways, depending on the specific symptoms. It is curable, it is important to take all necessary measures in time.

How to protect yourself from infection

If a person knows what diseases a pigeon carries, he will try to be careful when contacting this bird.

It is possible to feed your feathered friends, but not by hand, but by pouring crumbs or grains into feeders, or throwing them on the ground or paved paths.

The only thing worse than feeding from human hands is feeding a pigeon from the mouth.

To prevent infection, it is important to remember:

it is advisable to avoid too close contact with street pigeons;
It is not recommended to consume food or water at the same time as feeding your feathered friends on the street;
The child should be protected from too close contact with the pigeon and should not be allowed to feed the bird by hand;
after feeding pigeons, it is necessary to follow the rules of personal hygiene;
To protect yourself from becoming infected with avian diseases through airborne droplets, it is recommended to clean air conditioners used in your home and personal transport.

To prevent disease, it is advisable to avoid close contact with pigeons.

A bird is sick when:

she looks lethargic and helpless;
the pigeon's plumage is too ruffled or damaged;
the dove's eyes are watery;
the bird refuses to eat;
her tail is smeared with liquid droppings.

And most importantly, it is important to remember in order to avoid unpleasant consequences associated with diseases carried by pigeons - first of all, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene.

Among the infections that pigeons carry, there are many that are harmful to the human body. These decorative birds are sources of about a hundred diseases, of which about a dozen have become dangerous to humans.

acute infectious disease called psittacosis,
acute intestinal infection caused by the microbe Salmonella - salmonellosis,
acute zooanthroponotic infection campylobacteriosis,
listeriosis, an infectious disease caused by rod-shaped pathogenic bacteria,
natural focal infection tularemia,
acute saprozoonotic infection pseudotuberculosis.

The appearance of the above diseases in people is associated with violation of the basic rules of personal hygiene. Most often, the causes of diseases that pigeons carry into the human body are bird saliva, excrement on food, or airborne transmission of pathogens.

Salmonella infection

The causative agents of salmonella infection are Salmonella bacilli, which lead to intoxication of the body and cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteria that have settled in the human body secrete toxins in the small intestine, which, when the disease develops, impede the functioning of the vascular system, reducing its tone, and affect the nervous system.

The main symptoms of the disease include:

increased body temperature of the patient,
the appearance of weakness in the body,
presence of headaches,
gag reflexes, nausea,
pain in the abdominal area,
incessant loose stools.

Salmonellosis begins to appear 6-72 hours after exposure to salmonella bacteria. In some cases, a person can only be a carrier of bacteria, not showing any symptoms of disease, but being a source of infection for others.

For the drug treatment of this infectious disease, derivatives of the antibacterial group of penicillin and antibiotics of the tetracycline series are used. If Salmonella infection is mild and there are no blood components in loose stool, the use of antibiotics is limited.

Psittacosis disease

Among the diseases dangerous to people carried by pigeons is parrot disease, or psittacosis. It is a serious infection that causes a fever. Chlamydia, which causes the disease, settles in human cells, leads to damage to lung tissue, disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system, and causes an increase in the size of the spleen and liver.

Psittacosis in humans is most often diagnosed during the cold season.

It is possible to become infected with ornithosis chlamydia through airborne dust communication, when a person inhales dust in which particles of bird feces are retained, as well as microbes contained on the beak and feathers. In addition, the infection can enter the human body through the digestive tract.

Penetrating through the respiratory tract, the pathogen enters the bronchi, then moves to the cells, where it begins to multiply and penetrate the blood. The first signs that appear after 6-17 days are:

chills and elevated (more than 39°C) temperature,
the appearance of general weakness and a state of weakness,
severe muscle pain and headaches,
a sharp decrease in appetite.

After 2-4 days after the first signs appear, a cough and stabbing pain in the chest begin, and sputum is released, which indicates damage to the lung tissue.

To treat psittacosis, antibiotics are prescribed: tetracycline drugs, as well as bronchodilators, which are taken for up to 10 days.

Campylobacter infection

The causative agents of this zooanthroponotic infection can remain in the body of pigeons for a long time without manifesting themselves. Birds excrete bacteria that are dangerous to humans along with their excrement, and humans introduce them into their bodies through dirty hands or through contaminated food and water.

Campiloinfection leads to general intoxication and, having settled in the small intestine, disrupts the functioning of gastric tract, leading to diseases such as gastroenteritis and colitis.

Children under 2 years of age, as well as older people, are at risk for campylobacteriosis.

Among the primary signs:

pain in the abdomen and gag reflexes,
loose stools with bloody impurities,
elevated temperature,
general weakness,
muscle and joint pain.

Very often, due to the varied manifestations of the infection and the absence of direct signs of the disease, it is difficult to diagnose bacteria in the body. For diseases of campylobacter, azithromycin is prescribed.

Listeria infection

Listeria carriers are various animals, including pigeons. The intracellular bacterium enters the body through plant foods, and then into human bodies through vegetables and foods with bird excrement on their surface.

Listeria is a source of food infection; listeriosis is often compared to allergic reactions, in which there is an elevated temperature, rashes appear on the skin, and lymph nodes increase in size.

With prolonged infection, Listeria can cause a sore throat and disrupt the central nervous system, giving rise to diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis. In some cases, convulsive conditions are observed.

Sometimes listeriosis symptoms can be confused with manifestations of diseases such as rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

Treatment of lesteriosis occurs through the use of penicillin and its derivatives, as well as a group of tetracyclines.

Tularemic infection

Focal zooanthroponotic tularemia leads to general intoxication and causes febrile conditions, affecting the lymphatic system. The sources of the disease are small bacteria, which die immediately when boiled, and die after 5 minutes when heated to 60°C.

Typically, the carriers of the tularemic bacterium are rodents, rabbits and hares, and birds are only carriers that transmit the infection upon contact with humans. The bacterium can enter the human body through contaminated foods, water and blood-sucking insects.

In Russia, the first cases of tularemia were recorded in 1926.

The development of the disease occurs within a few hours and up to three weeks, but on average, primary signs appear within 3 days to a week:

body temperature rises sharply,
dizziness and muscle pain, pain in the back and lower back,
vomiting is observed,
possible nosebleeds,
sometimes there is redness of the skin of the face, swelling,
lymph nodes increase in size from a pea to a walnut in diameter,
feverish conditions last from a week to a month.

In ulcerative forms of tularemia, typical manifestations are the appearance of buboes - follicular yellow growths.

Pseudotuberculosis disease

Acute bacterial saprozoonosis infection is caused by a harmonic bacterium and leads to febrile conditions, disrupts the functioning of the small intestine and liver, and is often accompanied by a rash.

Primary signs appear after three days to three weeks, but are most often noticeable after 10 days:

a sharp increase in temperature to 39°C,
persistent diarrhea and gag reflexes,
presence of pain in the abdominal area,
persistent headache
general weakness in the body.

With absence loose stool and rashes, instead of pseudotuberculosis, rheumatism is often mistakenly diagnosed as a diagnosis.

The peak of pseudotuberculosis disease occurs in winter and spring.

Sick patients are prescribed dietary table No. 4, as well as antibacterial drug treatment using levomiticin or doxycycline.

In almost any big city you can see pigeons. For many, these are symbols of goodness and love. Birds are accustomed to living close to humans, because in residential areas it is always easy to find food, unlike in the wild.

Walking in the park and feeding birds, not everyone thinks about the potential danger that lurks in such contact. Even decorative breeds can be a source of trouble, let alone wild ones.

Birds become carriers of many dangerous ones. There are quite a large number of names, some of them are very dangerous for humans. Moreover, birds do not always have external manifestations of ill health. To protect yourself and your children from problems, read the article about what diseases pigeons spread.

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Let's look at each disease separately - what are the symptoms, methods of infection, and what is the damage to health.

Salmonellosis

Adults themselves may not even suffer from salmonellosis, but at the same time they are its carriers. There are several ways of infection - through dirty hands, through food prepared not indoors, but directly on the street, through contact with poultry. Salmonella is found in feces; a small particle is enough for it to enter the body and cause illness. Even if you inhale dust that contains harmful bacteria, infection will occur.

Signs of salmonellosis are very characteristic: severe stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. I feel very bad due to a sharp rise in temperature. The stool is a characteristic yellow-green color with a pungent odor. When you notice the first symptoms, you must call an ambulance.

The carriers may look completely healthy, because adult birds can cope with salmonellosis relatively easily. Their entrails, bones, crop milk and droppings are affected, and sick offspring appear.
Young animals that have contracted salmonella look lethargic, refuse to eat, and have ruffled plumage. There is inflammation of the eyes, sometimes progressing to blindness, and bloody diarrhea. Such an individual dies within 14 to 60 days.

When chronic, the bird suffers from joints that swell and interfere with movement. Very often staphylococcus develops in parallel. Suppression of the nervous system is expressed in convulsions and paralysis. The sick individual falls on its back and eventually dies. For humans, complications are possible in the heart, blood vessels, and joints.

Listeriosis

The causative agents are intracellular listeria bacteria. People don't get it very often, but it is possible. Transmission of the disease from pigeons occurs by airborne droplets, through contact with animals, and by the fecal-oral route. Listeria lives in the secretions of individuals, on the plumage. The bacteria remain active long after the discharge has dried. Once in the human body, they cause manifestations in the form of allergies.

But an acute form of listeriosis also occurs:

temperature increase,
rash,
enlarged lymph nodes,
a sore throat may occur.

Listeria is dangerous because it depresses the nervous system. As a result, meningitis, encephalitis with convulsions and disruptions in mental health are likely. Without timely help, listeriosis can result in a premature death.

Fortunately, this disease usually occurs in a calmer form. The patient feels nausea, and the temperature periodically “jumps.” The symptoms are reminiscent of a cold - runny nose, conjunctivitis. Listeriosis has a bad effect on the course of pregnancy and is transmitted to the fetus, so especially pregnant women should avoid direct contact with garden dwellers. Timely treatment usually results in complete recovery.

Psittacosis

Another dangerous thing that you can get sick from is inhaling dust near a cluster of birds. It may consist of pieces of dried droppings, other secretions, fluff, and infected individuals. Psittacosis is dangerous because it is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Most often it affects pigeons. This is the most common cause of death of chicks - which happens to sick pigeons after a few weeks. Before this, the young animals suffer from diarrhea and shortness of breath.

Adults experience difficulty breathing, they experience wheezing and a runny nose. The eyes become inflamed, tears are released, trembling appears - the bird sneezes, trying to get rid of nasal mucus, shaking its head. The infection develops very quickly, so owners need to take immediate action. Ornithosis was described by scientists at the end of the 19th century. and is better known as “SARS”.

Infection occurs in a similar way - by inhaling dust that contains particles of dried feces. Within 1 to 3 weeks, the disease does not manifest itself in any way. Then the symptoms appear:

temperature,
headache,
aches in joints and muscles.

The patient is chilly, unable to sleep normally due to a sore throat, sweating increases, and sometimes psittacosis is accompanied by nausea and intestinal disorders (constipation or diarrhea). Often accompanied by conjunctivitis and liver dysfunction. Blood pressure decreases and bradycardia appears. The person becomes irritable, apathetic, and cries for no reason.

The lungs (the first sign is a cough), brain, liver, heart and brain are affected.

Tularemia

The disease is quite common and resistant to environmental influences; the causative agent is the Francisella bacterium. Can domestic pigeons become a source of infection? Yes, unfortunately, the course of tularemia is sometimes completely asymptomatic. In extreme cases, the bird will be lethargic and have poor appetite.

You can become infected through contact with sick individuals, through water and food that contains particles of feces. Tularemia is not transmitted from humans, only from animals, but people are very susceptible to it. Therefore, if you have frequent contact with birds, it is better to get vaccinated.

You should pay attention to the following symptoms:

elevated temperature;
chills and headache;
weakness, lack of appetite.

In the first days of infection, swelling appears in the face and a rash appears on the mucous membranes. The liver becomes enlarged and the stomach hurts. The lymph nodes become inflamed and swollen.

Pseudotuberculosis

Also called false tuberculosis because it causes similar pathological changes. Nodules form in the affected tissues. The causative agent is Pastarella pseudotuberculosis. It affects both wild and domestic birds. Usually pseudotuberculosis occurs against the background of chronic intestinal diseases.

A sick bird can be identified by ruffled feathers, incorrect head position, or lethargic state. Pseudotuberculosis is one of the most dangerous diseases of pigeons for humans. Infection occurs through meat, milk, and vegetables.

Symptoms vary, most often reminiscent of colds: fever (up to 40°), rash near the joints, weakened condition, sore throat. In infected people, external lymph nodes are removed. Abscesses are opened to drain the pus. If the case is advanced, it may be difficult to treat. Against the background of HIV, the course is very difficult, sometimes causing death.

Campylobacteriosis

Transmitted through dirty hands, contaminated food or water. At the same time, a pigeon may be completely healthy outwardly, but its feces contain pathogens - Campylobacter bacteria. For most birds, the course passes without any symptoms, sometimes expressed in the form of respiratory infections, lameness, pericarditis or inflammation of the ovary.

In humans, the incubation period lasts from one day to three days. Then diarrhea, fever, dysentery appear, and a rash appears on the skin. Pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting occur. The stool sometimes contains some blood. The temperature rises, the person feels weakened, and joint pain appears. In advanced cases, the liver and pancreas are affected.

Newcastle disease

Previously, it was believed that this disease only affects chickens, but then scientists found out that pigeons are also susceptible to it and can become a source of infection. In blue-winged birds, symptoms appear literally after a few days - the virus begins to actively grow, it is excreted in mucus and droppings. The bird becomes lethargic and sits with its eyes closed. She reacts poorly to external stimuli and gradually develops paralysis, preceded by convulsions. Sometimes an individual falls and turns its head.

Literally a week later the bird dies - unlike, pigeons carry Newcastle disease in a very severe form. The virus remains viable for a long time even in dried droppings. If you touch your nose, mouth or eye area with dirty hands, the infection enters the body. In humans, the symptoms are very similar to a common ARVI, sometimes this makes it difficult correct positioning diagnosis. Most often it manifests itself as inflammation of the eyes:

The temperature rises slightly and the lymph nodes may become inflamed. Poultry farm workers are at risk, veterinarians. Children suffer from Newcastle disease much more severely - the virus can penetrate the brain and cause encephalitis. It is also difficult for people with weakened immune systems to cope with the disease against the background of other chronic diseases.

Prevention measures

Although cases of transmission of infections from birds to humans are not so frequent, they are quite possible. To maintain health, you must follow the rules of hygiene. This is the only way to minimize damage from pigeons. You can become infected through the eggs and meat of sick birds, or if a particle of droppings accidentally gets into your food. You should not eat or buy drinks where they do not comply sanitary requirements— if you are planning a long walk in the park, then it is better to take a snack and water with you.

In some cities in Europe and Asia, pigeons are prohibited to the population to avoid the spread of dangerous infections. Those found guilty are fined and may be evicted from the apartment. As they say, there is no such thing as too much caution when it comes to health.

You should communicate with park inhabitants without direct contact - you can throw food on the paths or pour it into feeders. You should not touch sick animals. If a pigeon has flown onto the balcony, it is better to carefully drive it away and carry out wet cleaning, wearing gloves and a protective mask.

Attention, TODAY only!

Children and pigeons

The very combination of these words evokes in many of us feelings of care and tenderness, security and tenderness.

But is this harmonious combination as it seems to most of us? Are pigeons dangerous for tiny babies?

Is it possible to feed pigeons in the city to pregnant women?
women and young children who have weakened or have not yet developed strong immunity?

Be careful, pigeons are contagious! They are carriers of infections

Birds, considered symbols of love and obedience in the old days, have come under the scanner: they may pose a threat to the human population
A study carried out on wild outdoor pigeons by the Animal Health Research Center in Madrid shows that pigeons carry a virulent bacterium that can cause various gastrointestinal diseases in humans. The results were published in the open access issue of the journal Acta Vetinaria Scandinavica (BioMed Central group). pigeon research. Scientists report that these birds may pose a threat to human populations by spreading bacteria that can cause pneumonia, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Bacteria Chlamydia psittaci
and Campylobacter jejuni are present in most representatives of this bird population and are more harmful than the well-known Salmonella.

So the relationship is complex, people perceive pigeons in different ways: some - for (a symbol of peace, love, without human support they will die); others are against it (“flying rats”, annoying, unclean, carriers of infection). Pigeons are protected and fought at the same time.

History of the myth

Man domesticated the pigeon 5 or 6 thousand years ago due to its excellent orientation, the pigeon was used as a messenger bird. It is capable of covering enormous distances, reaching speeds of up to 100 km per hour.

Methods of poisoning “city rats” - pigeons Pigeons, which are considered birds of the world and live on people’s balconies, sometimes complicate our lives by becoming potential carriers of microorganisms and diseases. The presence of a large number of pigeons requires constant cleaning of the balcony and window sill, which requires effort, money and time.

Being around pigeons isn't always pleasant.

The pigeons living in the city have already ceased to be afraid of us, moreover, they live in flocks, are accustomed to noise and are increasing their population quite quickly. Therefore, pigeons are often also called “winged city rats.” We will tell you how you can get rid of these “peaceful” birds on your balconies.

Bird danger

Pigeons not only carry germs, but also cause serious stomach and intestinal diseases. Researchers in Spain found chlamydia psitaki in these birds. It has been proven that it provokes the appearance of the so-called avian disease. This disease is more dangerous than salmonellosis!

The media from time to time shocks with news that the pigeons that crowd the streets and squares of cities are carriers of dangerous infections. Indeed, birds can carry about a hundred different diseases in their bodies. And at least ten of the diseases of pigeons are dangerous to humans.

How to recognize a sick pigeon

Not only street birds can get sick, but also your pets. After all, it is always very important to monitor hygiene and compliance with sanitary standards in the cage, as well as provide the bird with proper balanced nutrition. Otherwise she may get sick. The following provides information on how to recognize the most famous diseases of pigeons.

Psittacosis

Ornithosis is a viral disease, the peak of which occurs in the cool season, when the immune system is especially weakened. The virus causes chlamydia, which affects the respiratory system. About 150 species of pigeons can carry the infection.

Tuberculosis in pigeons Tuberculosis is a chronic infection common to animals and pigeons. The danger of avian tuberculosis to humans has been established.

Avian tuberculosis in humans occurs with damage to the skin and mucous membranes in the form of nodular formations. The avian tuberculosis bacterium is an acid-fast bacillus Mycobacterium avium that will persist for a long time in external environment. For disinfection, bleach is used when the disinfectant comes into contact with the object for 1 hour.

In small farms, with insufficient ventilation of poultry houses and poor feeding, tuberculosis may occur in pigeons, but for its occurrence there must be predisposing factors (unsanitary conditions, sources of infection). Infection often occurs with food and water, contaminates and environment. After the pathogen enters the body of pigeons, 2–3 months pass before the first clinical signs of the disease develop.

A touching picture - a happy baby feeding the birds, and satisfied parents
They also throw treats to the cute creatures. But hardly anyone knows that
pigeons are very dangerous - they can carry about 90 pathogens
various diseases, of which 10 are zoonoses - diseases transmitted to humans
(salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis, psittacosis, etc.).

Is it possible to get infected from city pigeons?
Lana Khimochko

Unfortunately yes. Pigeons can carry about 90 pathogens of various diseases, 7 of them pose a danger to humans. In fairness, it must be said that a person is no less dangerous for a pigeon.

IN North America Passenger pigeons lived. During flights, they gathered in flocks of many kilometers, darkening the sky. For various reasons, these birds were exterminated in all imaginable and inconceivable ways: they were shot from shotguns, rifles, pistols... By the way, the machine gun was invented specifically to fight pigeons. Birds were caught with nets and killed with sticks and stones. Their meat was harvested, salted, fed to pigs... Over the course of several decades at the end of the 19th century, this species was completely exterminated!

Avian tuberculosisAnother disease that develops in pigeons. Avian tuberculosis can also be transmitted to humans, so you need to be extremely careful if pigeons get it. In birds, this disease is accompanied by fatigue, weakness, and drooping wings. The bird's plumage becomes dull and ruffled. To diagnose avian tuberculosis, it is necessary to inject 0.05 ml of tuberculin into the upper part of the eyelid using a syringe. If this infection continues to develop, a distinct swelling will appear at the injection site. Unfortunately, treating pigeons for tuberculosis is considered inappropriate, since birds become carriers of infection during quarantine, and a full cure can take a long time.

The dove has long been a symbol of good news and purity. Today these amazing birds live next to us. Many large cities in Europe and the world cannot be imagined without these charming birds. Pigeons have become a unique attraction, as thousands of tourists strive to capture them through the lens of their camera.

Since these creatures are our neighbors, it is worth paying attention to changes in their behavior, because often this is the only way to determine that the bird is sick. Do not forget that there are diseases of pigeons that are dangerous to humans. It is especially necessary for owners of pigeon coops to monitor their health, since infectious diseases can lead to complete extinction of the livestock, as well as cause significant harm to human health.

When breeding birds, it is important to remember that, as in the case of people, it is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later. At the same time, the “sores” of birds are mostly widespread.

Modern people consider them dirty birds that carry diseases and cause harm appearance architectural architecture. However, few people know that in the distant past these birds saved human lives, brought power and prosperity to states. It is also believed that the dove is the bird of peace; we learn why from the article.

Why is the dove a symbol of peace?

The ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate these birds. Proof of the beautiful union are the positive wall paintings of doves dating back to 5000 BC. People have discovered endurance and good fertility in unpretentious animals, since a pigeon pair can breed offspring several times a year. Most pigeons were bred for food. Their tender meat was an important part of the diet. It should be noted that even now you can often find live pigeons on sale in Egyptian markets.

The tradition of preparing a delicious bird dinner has survived to this day. For the creatures...

The impact of pigeons on humans and their environment

There can be up to 35 thousand rock pigeons at one time in Trafalgar Square in London.

The close proximity of pigeons and humans has both its positive and negative sides. To a certain extent, they enliven the city landscape - for example, flocks of pigeons have long been a decoration and landmark of Trafalgar Square in London and St. Mark's Square in Venice. In addition, pigeons act as scavengers, eating discarded food scraps and thereby preventing the spread of disease-causing organisms.

On the other hand, large concentrations of birds cause a lot of trouble for public utilities, polluting buildings, sculptures and green spaces with droppings. In addition, experts have come to the conclusion that sisars are gradually destroying architectural monuments by pecking out wind-blown seeds from microscopic cracks and thereby increasing their size.

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