| Histoplasmosis | A respiratory infection in people who inhale fungal spores from contaminated soil or dust. The Histoplasma fungus grows on bird feces, so it’s a concern in buildings where large amounts of pigeon droppings collect in roosting sites. |
| Cryptococcus | A fungus infection. Humans can contract this disease when they inhale the dust from dried droppings (most commonly from pigeons). Infection in people can be quite serious leading to meningitis, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or respiratory symptoms. |
| Avian Tuberculosis | Avian Tuberculosis isn’t often seen in birds, but transmission to people can lead to respiratory infections, swelling of lymph nodes below the jaw and even widespread disease in people with weakened immune systems. The disease can be spread through the air or through the feces from infected birds |
| St. Louis Encephalitis | An inflammation of the nervous system causes drowsiness, fever, headache, fever, even paralysis, coma or death. Spread from birds to humans via mosquitoes. |
| Salmonellosis | Salmonella is a bacterium of which there are a number of species. They are transmitted by fecal contamination, infected birds, rodents and human carriers or by direct contact with infected birds. Salmonella are extremely resistant and live for extended periods of time outside the host. Wood surfaces and dirt floors suit them fine. |
