Bacteria and Parasites Birds Carry

Birds, belonging to the class Aves, are a natural sight all over the world. They are characterized by their strong beaks, clawed feet and feathery bodies. They serve their purpose in maintaining the natural balance of things. However, there will be times when they start invading homes and this is where conflict with humans start.

There are many dangers of allowing birds inside your household. While many of us are familiar with Avian flu, there are more than sixty recorded diseases that we should be wary of. Today we will be going through some of the more common zoonotic diseases caused by these avian creatures.

• Salmonellosis. This is a very common disease caused by a bacterium called Salmonella. It is a type of food poisoning in humans. Salmonella resides in the intestinal tract of humans and some animals. Humans catch this disease if they ingest contaminated foods and water or by handling infected animals and not washing their hands. Salmonella bacterium can be found in fecal droppings of many nuisance birds like starlings and sparrows.

• E. coli.  Escherichia coli is a bacterium that lives in the digestive system. Cattle carry E. coli but when birds peck on cow manure, the E. coli can go right through birds and consequently, bird droppings can land on any food or water supply and contaminate them. Infection in humans can cause bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

• Chlamydiosis. This zoonotic disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. They occur in birds that have curved beaks like parrots and parakeets. The bacterium is also carried by pigeons and even turkeys! Humans are infected with the disease upon inhalation of contaminated dust in the air and can cause diarrhea, sore throat, chills and swollen eyes. In severe untreated cases, complications may arise into enlargement of the spleen or inflammation of the heart muscles.

Not only are birds carriers of these scary diseases, they also are host to many parasites that can further endanger your family’s health. Some of the ectoparasites that you may find in birds are:

1. Black fly or buffalo gnat. There are around 1,800 species of these small black flies that bite and suck blood. They can grow abundant and can kill chickens and birds. These insects can also bite humans.

2. Lice. Lice are small parasites without wings. The species that host on birds are the Amblycera and Ischnocera. They are around 0.33 to 11mm and can come in yellow, whitish, brown or black in color. They feed on feathers, blood and tissue fluids of birds.

3. Ticks. Ticks are the most notorious among parasites because they carry quite a number of diseases. Like lice, ticks also host on blood from animals and even humans. When infected, one can suffer from illnesses that range from rashes to fatigue.

Birds, like other wildlife animals, belong in the wild and not in human homes because they are hazardous not only to physical structures and property, but also to human health. It is therefore necessary to take action once infestation takes place.

If you need bird control services in Oakville, do not hesitate to call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle’s Oakville wildlife control technicians are trained to employ humane and effective methods to shoo these birds away from your home and make sure that they do not roost again in your property.  With more than twenty-six years in the business, Skedaddle has the expertise to solve any wildlife infestation, especially bird control. Call them up today!