Pigeon feeding is one of the most prevalent practices in India. But are people aware of the health problems being caused by exposure to pigeons. Pigeon Droppings have been reported as most hazardous to human health. Studies show that around 60 different diseases occur due these droppings. According to various reports, people suffer most from Asthma, and breathing difficulty. Pigeons carry most of the fungus, and microbes of various diseases which get transferred from one place to another. These microbes are present in the air and inhaling it causes various health issues.

 According to International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are approximately 26 Crore pigeons in India. In India the cases of Asthmatic patients have increased due to the active exposure to pigeons. Hyderabad ranks the top most city to have the most populated pigeons. Pigeons are the carriers of these microbes. Dr Pratit Samdani, physician, Breach Candy Hospital, says that exposure to pigeon dropping is the cause for developing pneumonia. “Some patient even land up on ventilator support because of pneumonia which is caused by the exposure to such droppings,” said Dr Samdani. The diseases mainly caused by them are Histoplasmosis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Cryptococcus, Psittacosis, Salmonella etc.

Various measures have been suggested by doctors to avoid the exposure to these pigeons and to decrease the risk of these diseases;

Avoid pigeon feeding at public places.

Avoid areas where pigeon feeding happens.

Make pigeon net at your homes to avoid pigeons at home balcony.

Avoid doing pigeon feeding as pigeon feeding increases the population of pigeons.

The best way to save oneself from these diseases is to use mask, wear gloves while cleaning their droppings, the people living in high rise apartments are facing this threat a lot, the balconies are filled with pigeons droppings, so it is better for them to moisten the droppings with water before cleaning. The droppings should be preserved in disposable bags when thrown.