Annals of Applied Biology (2005) 147, 203-210

D. Haag-Wackernagel (2005)
Parasites from feral pigeons as a health hazard for humans
Annals of Applied Biology 147 (2), 203-210
Abstract: Feral pigeons live in almost every large city in the world. The feeding of pigeons by humans, deliberately or accidentally, allows the build-up of large populations that can cause a variety of problems, primarily the fouling of buildings and monuments by their droppings. Excreta of wild birds are a well-known source of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause infection in man. The most important ectoparasites of feral pigeons are the red blood mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, and the pigeon tick, Argas reflexus, both of which can migrate into human living space when they lose their natural hosts. The bites of the red blood mite are irritating but harmless, whereas the pigeon tick can cause severe health problems to predisposed persons. After repeated bites from A. reflexus, people can develop IgE-mediated (type I) allergy, which in extreme situations may lead to life-threatening symptoms of anaphylactic shock. So far, one fatality due to A. reflexus deriving from feral pigeons has been reported. In the case of parasitic infestations of humans, the source must be removed by excluding pigeons from further breeding and by disinfection of the environment of pigeon-breeding sites.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Daniel Haag-Wackernagel

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
damage/losses/economics

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Argas reflexus
	Dermanyssus gallinae