5 Infectious Diseases Spread by Birds

Birds are known to be disease carriers and can carry several infectious diseases that can spread directly to humans and pets. In order to keep your loved ones healthy, it is important to learn about these diseases and how they spread, as well as take the necessary preventative measures to keep birds out and away from your home. Keep reading to discover several common diseases spready by birds and how Critter Guard can help.

1. Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is an infection that is caused by a fungus that is commonly found in bird droppings. The disease spreads when people inhale the fungus from the droppings. Common symptoms of cryptococcosis are shortness of breath, fever, and headache, similar to pneumonia.

2. Psittacosis

Psittacosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through droppings and respiratory secretions of infected birds. The disease spreads when humans come into contact with birds or when other pets come into contact with bird droppings. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, dry cough, headache, chills, and fever. Psittacosis, in most cases, affects people with weaker immune systems and, if not well treated, can quickly escalate to pneumonia.

3. Avian Tuberculosis

Avian Tuberculosis is a potentially fatal disease that spreads through the droppings of infected birds. Pets that come into contact with the infected droppings can also spread the bacteria. Common symptoms of Avian Tuberculosis are mild fever, weight loss, dehydration, diarrhea, and impaired breathing. The most vulnerable people to this disease are adults and those with weakened immune systems.

4. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

This disease is caused by infected bird secretions, which spread to humans when in close contact with birds. Common signs and symptoms of the disease are high fever, sore throat, vomiting, muscle aches, chest pain, and respiratory difficulties. It is the most common infection that birds cause and is known for being deadly in humans.

5. Encephalitis Viruses

Wild bird populations cause encephalitis viruses, which are transmitted to human beings by mosquitoes and pets that contact the infected birds. These viruses mainly affect children below the age of 15 years old and adults aged over 50 years old. Common symptoms of these viruses are high fever, vomiting, stiff joints, and convulsions.

Protect Your Home with BirdBloc

At Critter Guard, we now offer a bird repellent product that prevents birds from invading your home, business premises, or company utilities. BirdBloc produces an unpleasant smell that moves the birds away but is harmless to human and bird health. Keeping birds away from your property lowers the chance of exposure to the above infections. To learn more about BirdBloc, contact us today.