Dangers of bird droppings

12 years ago

It has been recently mentioned many times here about the health dangers of bird droppings, which often seems to justify removing nests of birds that that have cohabited around humans for centuries (Eastern phoebes, Barn swallows.)

I highly doubt this. Common sense should realize that there are bird droppings, raccoon droppings (WAY more immediately dangerous with parasites), skunk, squirrel, 'possum droppings right off your porch/deck/etc.

I've been on this forum for over 10 years, when it was an active, thriving community of very experienced birders, many of which were experts (I'm thinking of Wren, Feather, and a young man involved in ornithology in Cornell, just to name a few.) No one ever expressed concern about the rampant dangers of local bird droppings. In fact some, like me, actually were exposed daily to droppings, having worked in avian rehab and having to inadvertently handle feces in handling the birds. Not to mention walking through large aviaries daily.

Has anyone here known anyone whose sickness was a direct result of birds leaving dropping on their property? I think this is an excuse to just rid themselves of a nest that inconveniences them.

How many of these same people spray poison in their yards for insects, weed and maybe mice? And then walk through that same property and have their kids play on the grass?

I know the potential diseases/parasites you can get from any wild animal. But any statistics, or anecdotals? The sites I googles came up with Wildlife Control businesses whose goals are suspect, and vague warnings from health departments about the risks of infection.

But no statistics, just speculation.

Anyone here ever get sick from a robin's nest on your porch?

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Comments (15)

starlinka
12 years ago
It is about pigeons, but can be applied to all birds

Here is a link that might be useful: The REAL FACTS about pigeons and Public Health
Elly_NJ
Original Author
12 years ago
That's what I've read.

What is amusing abut the fear of droppings is that I suspect such fears transfer to insects, too. And fearful people might spray themselves with insect spray, or worse, their children, and the spray is poison and carcinogenic. DEET was banned when I was a teenager, but now it is in most insect repellants.
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Thanks so much for the response, kimmsr. I know so little about the make up of droppings that I have no idea how safe or dangerous they may be. I do know that they eat right in to the paint on my deck, so at the very least, I want to contain the damage. It's a wood deck with slots, so hosing things down just washes the mess onto my neighbor's space. I don't think that's a good idea, especially since I don't (yet) know how dangerous the poop is. I'm still thinking the best way to go is to put a bunch of potted plants underneath and let them catch the droppings and break them down as fertilizer. Unfortunately, one of the Ceanothus bushes I planted that's right underneath isn't doing very well. I'm wondering if the acid or something else in the droppings is causing problems. I'm really in need of someone with expert knowledge of the properties of bird droppings. I'm not sure if I've come to the right place or not. I'd be grateful for any help people here can provide. Thanks again!
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toomanysquirrels
12 years ago
Yes I do know someone whose sickness was directly attributed to bird droppings. My BIL, he had a liver transplant many years ago and has a compromised immune system. He was constantly running high fevers and final diagnosis was bird droppings causing hystoplasmosis (not sure of spelling).
Removed feeders, cleaned area and he is doing fine. Extreme circumstances for sure, but diagnosed by Johns Hopkins.
Elly_NJ
Original Author
12 years ago
Sorry about your BIL and hope he's ok.

In the news, which is eager to pounce on impending diseases caused by animals, I personally have not seen a die-off of children or families exposed to bird droppings. I am in NYC often and spend time in Central Park where there are lots of pigeons, sparrows and starlings. Not heard of or seen diseased people.

I'm not saying it doesn't ever happen. But the statistics are so low I can't even google them.

So: you're safe, I think. Just leave off the insecticides and herbicides in the backyard.
toomanysquirrels
12 years ago
I know my BIL circumstances are unusual. His immune system does not work right and this is the reason he got sick.

If you google histoplasmosis, most articles mention bird droppings as 1 of the causes.

BUT....does not say anything about backyard birdwatching. And, I agree about the news. They will take one little item and blow it way out of proportion. So, unless you are sickly or already have chronic lung problems, then I see no problem being around birds.
Elly_NJ
Original Author
12 years ago
I think it is very rare to get histoplasmosis at all. I wonder how many pigeon owners (racers) have gotten it, because if anyone would, they would, having to clean coops, which are enclosed.

I'm sure the chances of getting hurt in a car accident are way greater than disease from bird droppings.

It's one more fear that separates people from nature.

The Barn swallows out my office door have hatched. Watched from the glass door mom feeding them. We walk fast past the nest so not to get dive bombed, because God knows how many people and children have been injured and maimed by attacking swallows!
toomanysquirrels
12 years ago
I guess the reason a lot of people don't respond to questions on this forum is because of the sarcastic remarks that we get when we do. I guess you are more likely to get attacked here than by getting sick from bird droppings. But either way, I answer a question that was asked. That won't happen again. Good day everyone!
Elly_NJ
Original Author
12 years ago
Whhhoooo there! Please forgive me if you thought I was responding to your remakes, toomany! And forgive me if you thought I was disrespectful to you. I was not.

I didn't even realize I was sarcastic. Ironic, maybe. I should have put a smiley face in there.

I hope you read this.
rachel_frome_ky
12 years ago
There was a public health alert back in the 1980s that people who smoked and those who kept any size cage bird had their lives shortened by the same amount of years. Parrot owners began keeping their pets in separate rooms with air filters, while others found that even tropical birds thrived in partially covered outside flight cages

Feather dust from cage birds shortens humans lives http://www.officialbarrieshuttbudgerigars.com/featherdust.htm

and bird droppings cause lung disease as well http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbb&bdrp.htm
Elly_NJ
Original Author
12 years ago
Statistics? How many people die out of 1000?

Come on.
toomanysquirrels
12 years ago
one is too many!
Elly_NJ
Original Author
12 years ago
Makes no sense, sorry! With that reasoning we should not go outside for fear of bringing parasites in the house. Or not drive, because of the chance of an accident.

Anyhow, my point was that the fear of bird droppings in normal circumstances (as opposed to working in a pigeon coop) are so minimal that I can't find statistics.

Enjoy your birds, anyway, in this lovely season. And don't worry so much.

Glad you came back to read my apology, toomany!
starlinka
12 years ago
Rachel, I think you should check out this website

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.dhmo.org/
toomanysquirrels
12 years ago
No statistics on deaths. Nothing to really worry about. If you want details go to this site: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/histoplasmosis/

It tells you more than you will ever want to know!
Elly_NJ
Original Author
12 years ago
OK, thanks.

Dangers of bird droppings

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