pigeons and disease

Robjones · Post by **Robjones** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 1:46 pm

I know there are alot of trainers on this site that have pigeons so I know you guys and gals should know this answer. My wife is very concerned with pigeons and the diseases they might have. Has anyone had trouble with pigeons and their health? What should I do to lower my chances of problems. I would like my son to be my pigeon boy as I launch my carded birds.
Bob

dan v · Post by **dan v** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:02 pm

The claener you keep your loft, the better. Get a nice, well fitting, dust mask for him.

And after you're all done working dogs/birds.....a good hand washing should be all that's needed.

But I'm inclined to let nature try and attack me, builds a good immune response

Post by **ezzy333** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:17 pm

There are a few people allergic to pigeons and the dust in the loft. But this is true with all animals. Well cared for pigeons are no more a problem han any other animal. The old desease rumor comes from the concern over street pigeons in the cities. Your own are not exposed to deseasesand are much healthier.

In other words don't worry about it.

Ezzy

Robjones · Post by **Robjones** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:30 pm

I got mine from under a over pass on a highway

ohiogsp · Post by **ohiogsp** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 6:58 pm

They can have diseases but it is rare. As was said wash your hands and you will be alright. The poeple who get stuff from these wild birds are mostly not cleaning up after handling them and eating afterwards. If your wife is really conserned get rid of those wild ones then spray down your loft with bleach water and get some homers they are alot less likely to have anything.

WildRose · Post by **WildRose** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:31 pm

Cryptococcus bacterial infection is the only one that's a real serious concern. It's transmitted via breathing the dried pigeon feces. Pregnant women need to stay out of pigeon lofts, and if you are prone to respiratory infections (being treated with steroids, chronic asthma etc) you should probably consider wearing a dust mask when in the loft.

Other than that salmonella is pretty common with them and can easily be transmitted to humans. Just washing your hands after handling them and keeping your fingers out of your mouth, nose, and eyes after handling them will take care of that pretty well.

Here's a link that gives you all the down and dirty... . Don't let your wife read it or she'll get quickly paranoid! HA! CR

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_o ... a5530ed073

CR

ohiogsp · Post by **ohiogsp** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 11:02 pm

Psittacosis is a rare disease in pigeons but can kill people and it is reportable to the CDC. If you took a pigeon to the vet and it was positive for this you would be force to eliminate the disease. Pigeons can carry 100 diseases but the chances of getting them and it accually hurting you are rare.

CherrystoneWeims · Post by **CherrystoneWeims** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 11:37 pm

WildRose wrote:Cryptococcus bacterial infection is the only one that's a real serious concern. It's transmitted via breathing the dried pigeon feces. Pregnant women need to stay out of pigeon lofts, and if you are prone to respiratory infections (being treated with steroids, chronic asthma etc) you should probably consider wearing a dust mask when in the loft.

Here's a link that gives you all the down and dirty... . Don't let your wife read it or she'll get quickly paranoid! HA! CR

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_o ... a5530ed073

CR

I actually know someone who developed Cryptococcus. He was doing research with birds at the local Medical Univ. He ended up having to go on disability because he had longlasting respiratory problems.

Coccidiosis is also tranmitted by birds.