Pigeon populations are rapidly growing, even in Indian cities, where urban populations of Mumbai and Pune registered an incredible 150% increase in these flocks. This explosion has, consequently, resulted in public health issues, that are so severe that even the practice of feeding pigeons has been prohibited in certain areas. Municipal authorities have raised the spectre of risks to health from bird faeces, feathers, and other deposition material as justification for this decision.

Pigeons: Harbingers of respiratory risks
Pigeons thrive in urban areas, because of their flexibility, easy and cheap food and lack of an alarm signal in the environment. However, their presence can lead to health concerns. Pigeon droppings and feathers can harbour allergens and pathogens, including pathogenic fungi such as Histoplasma and Cryptococcus.
As faecal particles dry up, they fragment into very fine aerosols which can become respirable, and thus inhaled. This poses a serious risk, in particular, for patients with respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. Inhaling these particles will cause irritation to the respiratory system, inflammation and symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness to be aggravated.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis : An invisible threat
One of the most concerning health risks linked to pigeons is hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), commonly referred to as pigeon breeder's lung. This disease is caused by the persistent exposure to feathers of birds, their droppings, and/or to feather dust containing avian proteins.
HP can manifest in two ways. Acute type presents with influenza like features such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, whereas the long-term (chronic) form shows as tissue scarring of lungs and irreversible damage develops over time. Tragically, the signs and symptoms of HP always get downplayed until HP is advanced clinically causing significant impact on lungs.

The impact on asthma and allergies
Along with house dust mites, allergens from pigeon’s feathers & droppings is a major source of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Continued exposure could aggravate asthma symptoms to cause flare-ups to occur periodically, which impairs quality of life.

The response: Bans and awareness campaigns
As a consequence of these health problems, cities in Maharashtra e.g., Pune have imposed restrictions on the feeding of pigeons in public areas. They aim to reduce areas in which pigeons cluster and in turn the incidental exposure of human populations to potentially toxic wastes. Although, this is an encouraging action, it is also critical to carry out awareness activities. Public awareness of the health risks of pigeons and clean environments is of paramount importance. Effectively managing pigeon populations in a humane and sustainable manner is crucial for achieving lasting solutions.

Protecting yourself from pigeon-related hazards
For those living in areas with high pigeon populations, taking certain precautions can help reduce the risks:.
Avoid Feeding Pigeons: Refrain from feeding pigeons to deter the birds from accumulating around residences.
Seal Entry Points: Block off balconies, air-conditioning vents, and air-duct spaces to prevent pigeons from nesting indoors.
Regular Cleaning: Cleaning droppings and nesting materials on a regular basis, with protective equipment used to prevent exposure to hazardous frass particles.
Install Deterrents: Install physical deterrents such as nets or spikes to prevent pigeons from landing on windowsills and rooftops.
Monitor Respiratory Symptoms: Having chronic respiratory problems such as coughing or expiration difficulty, see a doctor.

A call for collective action
The increasing density of street pigeons reflects the tenuous relationship between urban life and public health.
Continuation of sustainable solutions will need collaboration between city officials, health professionals and the community. Approaching this problem as a whole and alerting citizens of its impact on health is how we can create safer, healthier urban environments for all.
On this task, ensuring our ability to avoid respiratory harm is as critical as ensuring that our shared landscapes are kept in equilibrium. We can work together to make our cities pleasant and our air clean.

Dr Rohan Aurangabadwalla Consultant Pulmonology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai