Overall, birds are very important for our surroundings and our ecosystem. They help us with pest control and reseeding and they pollinate plants. Still, even with so many advantages that they have for our environment, they can have some negative impacts as well. For example, bird droppings can be very toxic and can be a serious health issue. And not only through dropping but there are other ways for the birds to spread disease. For that reason, if you have a flock of birds on your property hire professionals such as Peak Services to help you out with bird control. That way you will prevent getting one of the 70 diseases that birds can spread. Among all of those, there are some diseases that are very common. Read this article and learn what 10 major diseases birds carry.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that affects the digestive tract. It is caused by yeast known as Candida and it is one of the most common diseases that birds carry. This disease can be spread and affect people through bird droppings. This infection can affect the heart, eyes, bones, throat, and brain. It is important to discover it early because Candida infections can be treated successfully with antifungal medication.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is another very common disease that birds carry. This is an infection caused by the fungus in birds’ droppings. For that reason, if you have a flock of birds on your property it is important to clean it regularly. And not only around your home but a roof and solar panels as well. In order to avoid getting histoplasmosis contact solar panel cleaning Enterprise NV services and secure a safe environment in your home. And if you experience symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and cough be suspicious of this disease. The good news is that you may recover quickly without medication. However, there were cases where people had to use medication for 3 months to up to the year.
A cough is one of the most common symptoms of histoplasmosis
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a common infection that can be found in animals and birds including chicken as well. Every year almost one billion people get affected by this disease. It is usually spread in the areas that have a shortage of water. In the research done in 2021, it was concluded that songbirds spread salmonellosis easily through bird feeders and dropping as well. In order to protect yourself from this disease keep the bird feeders clean. Not only that you will protect yourself but you will lower the risk of spreading the infection among the birds.
Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that can be found in different bird species such as parrots, chickens, starlings, and sparrows, Still the most common birds that carry this disease are pigeons. If you are living in an area that is known to be inhabited by pigeons such as Green Valley, make sure to contact pigeon control Green Valley NV services. They will help you get rid of the pigeons from your property and protect your environment. But be aware that it can take from two weeks to three years to develop symptoms. This means that it can be very difficult to discover where you got exposed, on your property or somewhere else.
Cryptococcosis is one of the most common diseases birds carry especially pigeons
Colibacillosis
Colibacillosis, also known as E.coli is an infection that can be caused by bacteria coming in contact with an open wound. It is commonly found in the digestive system of pigs and poultry. Still, birds are the ones that spread it around through droppings. The common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Usually, this infection resolves by itself within weeks without the usage of any medications. Still, to avoid getting infected in the first place make sure to regularly wash your hands.
Psittacosis
Psittacosis is an infection also known as ‘parrot fever’ or ‘ornithosis’. Humans can get this infection if they are in contact with the infected bird. It is usually spread by breathing or if in touch with an open wound. Birds that usually carry this disease are chickens and ducks, but it is very common to be spread by pigeons as well. So do not take any chances and hire pigeon removal North Las Vegas services. If you have pigeons invading your property do not risk of you or somebody from your family getting inflected. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is an infection that is carried by birds and it is transferred to humans by mosquitoes. On the other hand, birds get infected because of eating an animal that carries the infection. Most of the symptoms are mild and a person should recover within the week. While this infection is usually not dangerous for humans it is fatal for birds. It has been noted that since 1999 almost 300 bird species died because of this virus.
West Nile Virus is transferred from birds to humans by mosquito bite
Avian Tuberculosis
Avian Tuberculosis is a very common disease among birds and can be easily transferred to humans. Usually, people get infected just by inhaling it. Also, it is spread by the bird dropping and the bad thing is that it can survive up to 4 years in bird feces. When it comes to birds symptoms appear a few months after they get infected. On the other hand, humans have very mild symptoms such as vomiting and mild fever.
Avian Pneumoen
Avian Pneumoen is an infection that attracts the respiratory system. This infection affects any bird species which is why people on the farm should use vaccines in order to prevent the infection spread around. Usually, it is spread by contact with the infected bird and bird droppings. The consequences of this virus can be fatal for the birds while humans develop very mild symptoms and recovery is quick. When in touch with human cells avian pneumoen attacks cancer cells. For that reason, scientists are looking into this virus as a potential treatment or cure for cancer.
Avian Flu
The last and one of the most common diseases birds carry is avian flu. It occurs naturally among wild birds and poultry as well. Both people and birds get infected by avian flu if they come in touch with infected bird droppings, or saliva. Some of the most common symptoms include conjunctivitis, sneezing, and running nose. It is not a dangerous infection for humans but you should still try to avoid contact with any affected birds.
