How Do Birds Spread Disease?
Avian influenza or bird flu has been around for hundreds of years. But the H5N1 strain was first detected in humans in 1997. Since then, there has been the emergence of at least eight additional strains.
The media continues to focus on this particular type of disease found in birds. However, you should be aware of many other diseases the avian species carry.
Why? Because birds spread disease. These diseases can be harmful and, in some cases, even fatal to humans. Knowing what they are is your best defense. Read on to find out the various types of diseases and how to prevent them.
Types of Birds That Spread Disease
Birds carry disease. Even some that you may have as pets. Household companions such as cockatiels, budgies, and lorikeets, can spread infections to their human owners.
Don’t own a bird? There are wild birds that also carry transmissible diseases, including:
- Starlings
- Pigeons
- Sparrows
- Gulls
- Geese
Disease in birds transmitted to humans can manifest in various ways. They can range from minor skin infections to more serious illnesses.
Common Diseases Spread By Birds
Bird disease can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Some of the more common diseases they can spread along with avian influenza include:
These are only a few. Transmission of these and others can occur through insect bites, inhalation, touching, eating, or drinking.
How Birds Spread Disease
Knowing how birds spread these diseases is important. It can help you avoid contamination. It’s vital to be careful when encountering bird nests, feces, or feathers.
Bird Feces
Droppings from various species of birds are the most common ways they spread disease. The feces have many disease-carrying organisms or pathogens. It’s usually harmless in small amounts. But build-ups, usually caused by an infestation of a large number of birds, can wreak havoc on humans.
Bird Nests
The debris in nests can house many species of fungi. They can also contain insects and parasites that carry diseases. So you’ll want to avoid contact with birds’ nests or ensure you dispose of them carefully.
Bird Feathers
Feathers are the least common way of contracting diseases from birds. However, they do carry many viruses, parasites, and bacteria. But these primarily become an issue on the feathers of dead birds.
Ways to Prevent These Diseases
Preventing disease is possible. It starts with limiting the opportunities for the spread of disease. This includes:
Keeping Surroundings Clean
Debris such as plants, paper, grass, and twigs are magnets for birds looking to build their nests. Ridding your surroundings of these can act as a deterrent to birds. Ideally, they will bypass your home.
Limit Nesting Options
As with the debris mentioned above, there are spots around your home that can be ideal for nest building. These include holes in your roof, ledges, eaves, and window sills. Start by repairing any damage to your property that a bird would consider a suitable nesting site. Block off ledges and sills where possible.
Eliminate Food Sources
Food is a major attraction for most household pests. Birds are no exception. Store food securely and ensure the lids of garbage bins are tightly fitted.
Call in the Professionals
Still, having issues? Call a professional that provides deterrent or removal services. They can provide you with a range of services that can help. These can prevent or deter birds from living near your home.
Keeping Your Family and Surroundings Bird Free
Birds are beautiful creatures. It’s probably the reason, so many Americans decide to have them as pets. But birds spread disease.
Deterring unwanted birds from entering your home is a great start. It would be best if you got a professional that can make this happen.
The professional wildlife removal company, Precision Predator can and will remove any birds that are a nuisance and can pose a potential health hazard. Contact the Precision Predator Removal company today to address your bird problem
