7 Dangerous Diseases Human Can Get From Birds

These joyful, feathered creatures are unaware of their unintentional spreading of disease near human habitation. Being conscious of these diseases, one can take preventive measures while enjoying the liveliness in their backyard, keeping their health in mind.



Also known as parrot fever, it is a bacterial disease that humans can catch when in contact with the droppings, feathers, or nasal fluids of infected birds such as parrots. It causes symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, and lung problems that are similar to that of pneumonia. People can prevent their chances of infection by following proper hygiene methods with pet parrots and using protective measures while handling them.


It’s a fungal infection that is mainly transmitted from bird droppings, especially pigeons. This fungus grows in contaminated soil and can spread through inhalation, causing symptoms from mild flu-like to severe respiratory problems. One can prevent infection by keeping their surroundings clean and performing periodic clean-ups of bird droppings from attics, roofs, and yards.


Salmonella can spread not only through food but also via bird droppings. Poultry, wild sparrows, pigeons, and doves can transmit infections via surfaces, food, or water sources.
In humans, it can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Maintaining basic hygiene methods like handwashing after handling birds and keeping poultry coops clean can reduce the risk of infection.


Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a virus spread by wild waterfowl and domestic poultry. Humans can be infected by it when they come in contact with infected birds or faeces, leading to flu-like symptoms. In order to reduce the risk of infection, one must avoid sick birds and use protective gear.


Pigeons in American cities carry a fungus named Cryptococcus in their droppings. The spore produced by the fungus, when inhaled, may lead to respiratory problems, headaches, or even meningitis. Anyone can minimise their risk of infections by using protective gear when cleaning the droppings and staying away from heavily infested areas.


It is a fungal infection caused by a mould, mainly spread via bird waste. The infection is likely to impact respiratory organs of humans and can turn out to be hazardous to the ones with weaker immune system.


It is a bacterial infection commonly carried by birds and transmissible to humans via contaminated food, particularly undercooked poultry, produce or water, or through direct contact. It causes symptoms like diarrhoea and abdominal pain.



While birds add vibrancy and charm to our neighbourhood, they can sometimes carry diseases that may impact humans. Keep these points in mind if you are looking forward to adopting a bird as a pet, ensuring a safe and healthy companionship.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can birds be dangerous to humans?
   Birds do not possess teeth; however, their beak can cause serious injuries if they bite you.
2. What is the biggest danger to birds?
   Habitat loss is one of the greatest threat to birds.
3. Which bird can live 300 years?
   Wisdom, a wild female Laysan albatross, is one of the oldest wild bird to exist.