Human Diseases Caused by Contact with Bird Droppings

Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, and Psittacosis are dangerous fungal and bacterial diseases caused by contact with dried bird and pigeon droppings.

Histoplasmosis & Cryptococcosis

Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which grows luxuriantly in dried pigeon, bat, and starling droppings. When cleaning droppings without specialized respiratory protection, a person inhales aerosolized fungal spores, leading to serious lung infections, fever, chest pain, and chronic pulmonary disease.

Cryptococcosis is another fungal disease (Cryptococcus neoformans) harboured in pigeon roosts. It can progress from a mild pulmonary illness to life-threatening cryptococcal meningitis.

Psittacosis (Ornithosis)

Psittacosis is a bacterial disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Humans become infected through inhaling dried feces or feather dust from infected birds.

Our bird control, netting, and specialized ceiling sanitisation services safely clear existing bird roosts and prevent birds from returning to contaminate building ledges.

• Never sweep dry pigeon droppings without HEPA extraction and sanitisation mist
• Professional removal of nests and carcass residues from roof gutters and eaves
• Installation of stainless steel bird spikes to prevent future roosting
• Full sanitisation of affected surfaces with SABS-approved fungicides