When it comes to birds, there may be more than just avian flu to be worried about. It has been suggested that there are over 60 other diseases that birds and their droppings can carry.
Are bird droppings harmful to humans?
Bird droppings are a breeding ground for disease-causing parasites. Not only can these organisms attack the substrata of a building, they can spread disease to humans. One health hazard that is a concern when dealing with bird guano is Histoplasmosis.
What disease comes from bird poop?
Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma, a fungus that lives in the soil, particularly where there's a large amount of bird or bat poop. The infection ranges from mild to life-threatening. It can be misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, like pneumonia caused by bacteria.
How common is psittacosis in humans?
It is a rare disease in the U.S. with fewer than 10 cases reported per year since 2010. Because of modern laws that regulate the pet bird trade, psittacosis is less common than it used to be.
Can you get sick from old bird poop?
Even when old and dry, bird droppings can be a significant source of infection. Like histoplasmosis, most cryptococcosis infections are mild and may be without symptoms. Persons with weakened immune systems, however, are more susceptible to infection.
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