Pest birds are a major vector or reservoir of zoonotic (animal to human transmission) diseases. Humans can become infected by a wide range of harmful diseases. Modes of transmission include:

• Direct contact – Bacteria, viruses, pathogens, germs and fungus can enter through a break in the skin surface or intact mucus membranes. For example, an open wound exposed to contaminated water or soil.\
• Inhalation – Breathing in aerosolised faeces (microscopic particles) from infected pest birds.
• Mites and Lice – Some species of mites and lice subsist on nesting material, bird feathers and skin while others suck blood. Large numbers of mites can contaminate confined spaces such as roofs where birds are nesting. These mites can then infest office spaces, as well as industrial and domestic areas through moving from the roof area to the living or workspace below.

Avian Chlamydiosis is also known as Psitticosis, Ornithosis or Parrot fever. This can occur in a workplace affected by pest birds and can be amplified if dried bird droppings (faeces) are disturbed. Diseases such as Avian Chlamydiosis can present in humans as flu-like symptoms, to sever systemic illness with severe pneumonia. Often, a dry “non-productive” cough can develop and last for many months. Any age group can be impacted by Avian Chlamydiosis and those professionals working with pest birds as well as staff in a bird-impacted workplace are most at risk. A bird disinfectant is vital – the areas impacted by pest birds, droppings and nests (approval pending) must be cleaned, disinfected and removed.

The most common disease of pest birds, Salmonellosis is caused by bacteria and often begins as an intestinal-tract infection. Bird faeces can contaminate food, water or surfaces that in turn are then in contact with humans. Symptoms in humans such as diarrhea, usually occur. Salmonella can be transmitted to people who work in a bird-infested facility or are in contact with faeces or sick and dead birds. Staff and contractors should always wear disposable gloves and appropriate filtered respirator when handling infected birds and wash hands thoroughly after being in contact with bird faeces.

Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by fungus found in the environment – particularly in soil, on decaying wood, in tree hollows or in bird droppings. People can get cryptococcosis by breathing in the microscopic fungus from the environment. Cryptococcosis is extremely rare in healthy people. It most often affects people with weakened immune systems. It is also rare to see signs in birds. Symptoms can resemble pneumonia, including cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Cryptococcal meningitis can cause headache, fever, and neck pain. In our thirty-year experience working with pest birds, we have seen numerous impacts of Cryptococcosis amongst our bird management colleagues and we suggest that contractors and site team members exercise caution and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in close contact with pest birds as well as utilise a good bird disinfectant.

This is bacterial infection that causes gastrointestinal problems in humans. This disease usually transmits through faecal contamination of food and water. While diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy are common, Campylobacteriosis can also be present in birds that show no symptoms of illness.
There are numerous other issues associated with pest birds in the workplace, but this is just a more commonly experienced range of potential diseases.