Pigeons have been reliable companions since prehistoric times, known to carry messages over long distances, even during times of war. However, birds also carry infectious and zoonotic organisms that pose potential health risks to humans.
Experts say that the number of pigeons has increased. Now cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Pune are taking strict action to curb the feeding habit. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is considering banning feeding places, while the Pune Municipal Corporation has started fining citizens who feed the birds.
Civil work
Almost every city has popular pigeon feeding spots. For example, Chandni Chowk, India Gate or Jama Masjid in Delhi, while Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Worli in Mumbai are famous places.
In Delhi, municipal corporations, according to reports, are considering the possibility of banning eating places, while penalties have been introduced for feeding birds or animals in undeclared areas in Mumbai and Thane.
In Pune, a collection campaign has been launched to sensitize citizens against feeding pigeons at identified places. Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Department, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said that 20 major pigeon feeding spots have been identified such as Sarasbagh Murthy, Band Garden Flyover, Patil Estate in Shivajinagar and Katraj Chowk. The fine is between 500 and 5000 rupees.
Pigeon drop and lung disease which is not easy to treat
Pigeon droppings cause a lung disease called hypersensitivity pneumonitis which is a chronic lung disease that is not easy to treat, said Dr Sandeep Salvi, director of the Pune-based Pulmocare Research and Education (PURE) Foundation. “The patient has shortness of breath, especially on exertion, and a cough that won’t go away,” he said.
Pulmonologist Dr. Ruby Hall Clinic. According to Mahavir Modi, interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis is a growing concern and other causes such as exposure to noxious gases and toxins, lung fibrosis associated with arthritis, pigeon droppings are one of the main known causes. He said that the excrement of pigeons can be inhaled even after drying for several days and the protein allergen taken in the breath causes irritation in the lungs and causes various reactions.
Why treatment can take so long
If the protein allergy is acutely inhaled, the patient may develop pneumonia-like symptoms, Dr. Modi said. “If these pigeon allergens are inhaled together for years, such as in people who feed people or have pigeons around them, they cause frequent episodes and the lungs are irreversibly damaged. A few patients, if not detected early, need supplemental oxygen at home,” said Dr Modi.
A good quality HRCT scan of the chest can make the diagnosis in suspected cases, he added. Dr. According to Salvi, some patients stay together for months and are on oral corticosteroids.
Manage population, reduce risk
Dr Satish Pandey, renowned ornithologist and wildlife conservationist, Pune, said that earlier pigeons used to nest near high cliffs. However, they have adapted to urban areas as their natural habitat and are found in multi-storied buildings.
“Many people ignore the problems they cause, such as droppings near windows, poor ventilation, and exposure to antigens, which can lead to health problems such as asthma and respiratory diseases. Pigeon droppings can harbor viral, fungal, and bacterial infections, making proper sanitation and disposal important. makes,” he said.
To manage the pigeon population and reduce the risk, Dr Pandey said that pigeons should not be fed in large quantities. “Install traps to prevent nesting near your home and follow proper sanitation practices,” said Dr Pandey, adding that overpopulation of pigeons can create an imbalance in the environment and pose well-documented aviation hazards, especially near airports. Management of its population is essential for public health and safety, he urged.