Famous cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle on Saturday joined the burning debate regarding feeding pigeons. Pigeons which are quite a common sight in Mumbai and Delhi can pose a serious threat to the public stated a user going by the name 'Zucker Doctor'. While the doctor received a flak in his comment section, Harsha Bhogle came in support of him. Sharing a picture of pigeons getting feed, the user wrote, 'Please stop feeding pigeons. You are quite literally sponsoring respiratory diseases to yourself and people around'. In response, Harsha Bhogle further wrote, "Absolutely. Please, please, stop feeding pigeons. They are a menace to health". Now, the question arises whether feeding pigeons can actually pose a threat to people or not. Below is what the facts say-
Is feeding pigeons pose a threat to public health?
The answer is yes. Dr Ashish Rohatgi, a leading pulmonologist in Delhi was quoted saying that the fungus present in bird droppings can lead to ailments such as Bird Fancier's Lung, a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Sometimes, the damage can be extreme and irreversible. Medical experts believe that while several cases of respiratory ailments may be a result of the aftereffects of COVID-19, the spread of pigeon colonies in cities is another factor causing lung issues—from breathlessness to severe fibrosis.
Pigeoins' droppings reportedly contain fungi like aspergillus, which can make those with compromised immunity or pre-existing diseases sick. A separate report says that pigeons can carry diseases, such as salmonella, E. coli, and psittacosis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with their droppings or feathers. Additionally, the dust from dried pigeon droppings can cause respiratory problems, such as bird fancier's lung, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
What did fans say on the feeding pigeons debate?
A user wrote, "Feeding pigeons can indeed lead to problems, including health concerns and nuisance. Their droppings can carry diseases, and they can become a nuisance in urban areas when overfed. It's important to consider the impact of feeding pigeons and to follow guidelines set by local authorities regarding wildlife feeding."
Another user wrote, "Agree. Although the sad part is for pigeons, we're a menace to them, so it's the same case on both the sides ..Just a thought, how about creating a new feeding area and slowly getting pigeons used to their new location, in a way avoiding pigeons in crowded places too?"