From PETER BATEMAN
Pigeons may carry “only” the avian form of tuberculosis (Feedback, 1
October) but among illnesses associated with inhaling their dried droppings
are aspergillosis, histoplasmosis and ironically, “bird fanciers’ lung”.
A warning about these was issued to construction workers a few years ago by
the medical advisor to the ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ and Safety Executive. His name was Dr. Bill
Parrott.
Incidentally, the 1984 Fowl Pest outbreak was traced to feed contaminated
at Liverpool by feral pigeons. The consequent £2 million cost of
slaughtering 820 000 hens was certainly not chickenfeed.
