Why is feeding pigeons in public places not good for your health?
Hyderabad: Pigeons are one of the most beloved bird species in the world as many consider these birds as symbols of peace, love and loyalty.
This avian species has played important roles in human history – from serving as messengers during wars to delivering secret messages across distant places. Besides, the bird holds a special place across many cultures. Feeding pigeons is seen as an act of kindness and charity by the people.
The Nizam-era Musallam Jung Bridge also known as Muslim Jung Bridge is the favourite spot for bird lovers in the city. You may see people buying multigrain mix from the nearby vendor and feeding the pigeons at the iconic bridge. Mecca masjid, Jama Masjid near Darul Shifa and Osmania University are some other well known places where pigeons are fed by visitors and locals.
Over the years, the growing population of avian species and the mess they leave behind with their droppings have turned out to be a menace earlier for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and now for Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL).
Some of the heritage buildings such as one at Moazzam Jahi Market were defaced by the bird droppings. A few years ago, the civic body executed a beautification programme and restored the architectural beauty of the heritage structures in the city
Subsequently, the civic officials captured over 500 pigeons from the Moazzam Jahi market area and released them in the forests near Srisailam. They have been advising people to not feed the pigeons especially at the historical sites and shops selling eatables.
In addition to the historical monuments, the avian species have now made the metro stations as their shelter. The cantilever sheds and other areas of Ameerpet, SR Nagar, Begumpet, Nampally and Tarnaka stations have become their nests.
As the bird droppings leave permanent marks on the tiles of the floor in the metro station, the housekeeping staff have a tough time maintaining the cleanliness at the stations.
Experts have warned that pigeon droppings and feathers carry dangerous microorganisms like the Aspergillus fungus and if it is inhaled, the fungus may lead to respiratory illnesses in humans.
According to doctors, if we drink water that is contaminated with the droppings of the pigeon, there is a possibility of Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis and the disease mainly affects lungs and other body parts with fungal infections. One of the lung diseases caused by this avian species is Bird Breeder’s Lung or Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP).
People may get this disease owing to exposure to pigeon droppings and pigeon feeding. HP is an immune system disorder caused by inhaled allergens. The bird droppings contain fungi like aspergillus and when it is inhaled, it can cause Histoplasmosis, which can lead to Bird Breeder’s Lung disease.
