Diseases

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= = =~ DISEASES CAUSED BY BIRDS ~ =

Doctor and a bird

These birds in our school canteen can be very dangerous. They spread all kinds of harmful diseases that make us sick. Some of the diseases are:

= = = = =**BACTERIAL ** =

Singapore is a hot, humid tropical country. The temperature makes it easier for bacteria to grow. Here are some of the bacterial diseases, which ae cause by bacteria. 

**Salmonellosis**
It usually occurs as food poisoning. It is a result of pigeons and sparrows. The bacteria is usually found in bird droppings. The dust from the droppings can be sucked through ventilators and air conditioners, contaminating food in some places.

**E.coli.**
Cows carry the bacteria, E.coli. When birds peck on cow manure, the E. coli go right through the birds and the bird droppings can land on or in a food or water supply. This may also cause food contamination. 

=**VIRAL **=

**Bird Flu / Avian Flu**
It refers to an illness caused by any of the many strains of influenza viruses that have adapted to a specific host. All known viruses that cause influenza in birds belong to that species. The viruses responsible for influenza pandemics are related to humans and birds.

Currently, there is no cure for Bird Flu. Experts hope that Tamiflu, a prescription drug designed to fight the common flu, will also help people suffering from Bird Flu. Tamiflu has proven very effective against this season's flu strain, but it does not work nearly as well when up against Bird Flu.

= = =  <span style="color: rgb(16, 55, 178)"> **<span style="color: rgb(20, 21, 184)">FUNGAL **=

<span style="color: rgb(246, 40, 40)">**Histoplasmosis**
It is a respiratory disease that can pose a threat to our health. This disease is a result of the fungus in the dried bird droppings. <span style="color: rgb(234, 11, 11)">

<span style="color: rgb(234, 11, 11)">**Candidiasis**
It is a yeast or fungus infection spread by pigeons. Pigeons are seen around our school, especially at the guard post. The disease affects the skin, the mouth, the respiratory system, the intestines and the urogenital tract.

<span style="color: rgb(246, 19, 19)">**Cryptococcosis**
It is caused by yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons and starlings. The illness often begins as a pulmonary disease and may later affect the central nervous system. Since schools, offices, signs, etc. are typical roosting and nesting sites, the fungus is most likely to be found in these areas. Hence, Cryptococcosis CAN be found in our school.

<span style="color: rgb(243, 22, 22)">**Aspergillosis**
It is a fungal infection that is seen in most species of birds. Unfortunately, the structure of the avian respiratory system supplies a perfect incubator for growing a fungus such as Aspergillosis, which are the airsacs.

The airsacs have almost no blood supply, so once Aspergillosis gets started in the airsacs, it can continue to grow.

=<span style="color: rgb(9, 30, 170)">**<span style="color: rgb(14, 11, 218)">PARASITE ** =

<span style="color: rgb(235, 10, 10)">**Chicken mites**
Chicken mites may cause fowl mite problems. While they subsist on blood drawn from a variety of birds, they may also attack humans. They have been found on pigeons, starlings and house sparrows. Pigeons ans sparrows are present in our school, hence posing a threat to our school community.

=<span style="color: rgb(0, 1, 204)">Other Information =

Some people are more likely than others to get the diseases from birds. A person's age and health status may affect the immune system, increasing the chances of him/her getting the disease.

The birds are causing many problems. The diseases that they cause are quite major. We cannot get rid of these birds totally, but we might be able to reduce the number of birds.

What can YOU do to help? Check the "How to Prevent?" page to find out how you can play your part in the prevention of birds.