Bird poop may seem harmless, but it actually carries a variety of bacteria that can be harmful to humans. In fact, there are over 60 diseases that can be transmitted through birds and their droppings. This is especially concerning in residential areas where these diseases can easily be transferred to humans just by being around bird droppings.
Some of the diseases associated with bird droppings include:
Histoplasmosis: This is a respiratory disease caused by a fungus that grows in dried bird droppings. It can be fatal if left untreated.
Candidiasis: This is a yeast or fungus infection spread by pigeons. It can affect various parts of the body such as the skin, mouth, respiratory system, intestines, and urogenital tract. It is particularly problematic for women and can cause itching, pain, and discharge.
Cryptococcosis: This disease is caused by yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons and starlings. It typically starts as a pulmonary disease and may later affect the central nervous system.
St. Louis Encephalitis: This is an inflammation of the nervous system that can cause drowsiness, headache, fever, paralysis, coma, or even death. It is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds carrying the virus responsible for St. Louis encephalitis.
Salmonellosis: This is a form of food poisoning that can be traced back to birds such as pigeons, starlings, and sparrows. The disease-causing bacteria are found in bird droppings, and dust from these droppings can contaminate food and cooking surfaces in restaurants, homes, and food processing plants.
In addition to these diseases, birds can also carry ectoparasites that can infest and bite humans. Some examples of these ectoparasites include:
Bed bugs: These pests, known as Cimex lectularius, can consume up to five times their own weight in blood drawn from hosts including humans. Pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows are known carriers of bed bugs.
Chicken mites: These mites, scientifically known as Dermanyssus gallinae, are carriers of encephalitis and can also cause fowl mite dermatitis and acariasis. They feed on the blood of various birds but can also attack humans.
Yellow mealworms: These common beetle parasites, known as Tenebrio molitor, are found in pigeon nests and can be found in grain or grain products, including breakfast cereals. They can cause intestinal canthariasis and hymenolespiasis.
It is important to note that while birds themselves may not directly transmit diseases like West Nile Virus to humans, mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds can transmit the virus to humans through their bites. This highlights the importance of reducing the bird population in a given area to minimize the risk of both infected birds and disease-carrying mosquitoes.
In conclusion, bird poop may seem harmless, but it carries a significant risk of transmitting various diseases and hosting ectoparasites. It is crucial to take preventive measures to sanitize, disinfect, and remove bird droppings from balconies, homes, storage areas, and factories to protect human health.
If you are concerned about bird poop and its associated health risks, contact Bird Poop Cleaning at [phone number] or email us at [email address]. We specialize in sanitizing, disinfecting, removing, and cleaning bird poop from various areas in Bangkok. Don’t let bird droppings compromise your health and well-being.