What Every Business Owner Needs To Know About Pest Bird Diseases

Pest birds like pigeons can often be overlooked, but it is important to know that besides being nuisance, these birds can also be a health risk to your customers and employees. From diseases associated with their droppings to parasites that use pest birds to hitch a ride. Here is what every business owner needs to know about the health risks associated with pest birds.

Common Pest Birds

Though businesses need to worry about a variety of pest birds, the most common species  any business may encounter are:

• Pigeons 
• Starlings
• Sparrows 

Health Risks Associated With Pest Birds And Their Droppings

Food & Water Contaminated with Bird Feces

The most obvious transmission of bird related diseases is through ingestion of contaminated food or water. This happens when a diseased bird defecates directly into a human food, water source or food handling surfaces and utensils. Besides direct contamination, airborne particles or fragments from drying feces in air ducts and vents can settle on exposed food, food prep surfaces or in utensils and can be transmitted to humans.

Inhalation of Fecal Dust from Bird Droppings

As bird droppings and/or the contaminated soil it rests on, dries and is disturbed, microscopic pieces break off and become airborne. These airborne particles can contain dormant fungi spores and/or bacteria. When breathed into the lungs, the warm, moist environment of the lung lining provides an optimal breeding area for infectious agents.

Direct Contact with Bird Droppings

Direct contact infections can occur when a worker or resident gets fecal dust or droppings in the mouth, nostrils, eyes or an open wound or cut. This can occur when working in an environment where birds roost or gather in large flocks. Possible examples of direct contact situations can include employees associated with HVAC cleaning, roofing, outdoor activities/services, etc. 

In order to prevent direct contact infections from exposed droppings, proper personal protection equipment (PPE) must always be used. This is especially the case when working in an area with a heavy pest bird presence.

Slip & Fall Risks

The hazardous nature of bird droppings aren’t just limited to points mentioned above, as the droppings can also be a hazard for those walking on sidewalks. This is because bird droppings on sidewalks, walkways, on steps or even in fire escape routes can pose major fall risks because the droppings tend to be slippery when fresh.

Ectoparasites Associated with Birds

Pest birds harbour ectoparasites like swallow bugs, ticks, fleas, mites and lice. These parasites are not only a biting nuisance, but can also transmit disease pathogens to humans, pets and livestock. In order to transmit the pathogen the parasite does the following:

1. The parasite bites an infected animal and sucks in blood containing the germ.
2. The germ then multiplies in the bug and when the infected bug bites its next victim it passes along the germ to the new victim. This occurs because parasites inject some of their germ-loaded saliva into the host when feeding. Over forty types of parasites live either on the birds, in their nests or in the places they roost.

Common Types Of Pest Bird Diseases

Viruses

• St. Louis Encephalitis (Most Serious Risk)

St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, primarily found in the United States. It is caused by the St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family. The infection can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can be life-threatening.

• Western Equine Encephalitis

Western equine encephalitis (WEE) is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. It primarily affects horses but can also infect humans and birds. The virus belongs to the Alphavirus genus. Symptoms in humans can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological damage and encephalitis.

• Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Viral meningitis is usually less severe, while bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention

• New Castle’s Disease

1. • Newcastle’s disease is a contagious viral disease affecting birds, particularly poultry. It is caused by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), a member of the Avulavirus genus. The disease can vary from mild to highly virulent forms and can cause respiratory distress, digestive issues, and nervous system disorders in birds.

• H1N1 / Bird Flu

H1N1, also known as swine flu, is a strain of the influenza virus that emerged in 2009, causing a pandemic. Bird flu, or avian influenza, refers to influenza A viruses found in birds. Some strains, like H5N1, can infect humans and are highly pathogenic. Both H1N1 and avian influenza viruses can cause respiratory illness in humans, ranging from mild to severe.

Bacteria

• Chlamydiosis

1. • Chlamydiosis, also known as psittacosis or ornithosis, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. It primarily affects birds but can also infect humans, causing flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, pneumonia.

• Salmonellosis

1. • Salmonellosis is an infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. It commonly results from consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Severe cases can lead to dehydration and require medical attention.

• Paratyphoid

Paratyphoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotypes Paratyphi A, B, and C. It is similar to typhoid fever but generally less severe. Symptoms include fever, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water

• Vibriosis

Vibriosis is an infection caused by Vibrio bacteria, commonly found in marine environments. It can cause gastrointestinal illness (vibrio gastroenteritis) or more severe infections such as wound infections and septicemia, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems

• Listeriosis

: Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It is often contracted by eating contaminated food, such as unpasteurized dairy products, raw vegetables, and processed meats. Symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological issues, including meningitis, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals

• Pasteurellosis

1. • Pasteurellosis is an infection caused by Pasteurella bacteria, commonly found in animals. Humans can contract it through animal bites or scratches, leading to symptoms such as wound infections, respiratory infections, and in severe cases, systemic infections.

• E. coli

1. • Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some, like E. coli O157

Fungi

• Histoplasmosis
• Cryptococcus
• Candidiasis
• Sarcosporidiosis
• Blastomycosis

Ectoparasites

• Ticks
• Bird Mites
• Swallow Bugs
• Swift Bugs

If you have concerns about pest birds impacting your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Orkin Canada’s team of bird control specialists are well trained and equipped to effectively identify and manage any pest bird issue. Contact your local Orkin Canada branch today!