The much-maligned feral pigeon is often labelled a health risk, but what those who delight in maintaining this do not consider (or conveniently forget) is  that any  wild birds could carry diseases (just as any humans could carry diseases) and pigeons pose no greater threat than the average garden bird

Those whose occupation or leisure pursuit involves frequent or prolonged close contact with pigeons should, obviously, take precautions against infection as should anyone who deals with any animals. That said, the risk of contracting disease directly from a pigeon in the UK, for instance, is minute for the 'ordinary citizen'. In reality, most cases of 'bird disease' in humans (and how many does one see reported?) arise from contact with cage birds of the parrot family suffering from psittacosis.

Pigeon droppings in any quantity are, of course, unsightly. In the UK, the RSPB warns that these are a hazard if they contaminate food or grain stores. (For Joe Public, the answer is probably to not allow a pigeon to paddle in your cornflakes! ). However, the RSPB also says: "The whole 'rats with wings' thing is just emotive nonsense - there is no evidence to show that they spread disease".

Fresh bird droppings on windowsill or street are not a danger. Problems could arise in some places, however, with dried droppings from various birds - for example, pigeons, Starlings, Blackbirds and even Sparrows - in certain circumstances. This is due to spores from certain fungi found in some areas in nitrogen-enriched soils being inadvertently transferred by birds to roosting sites. When droppings accumulate over a long period (for example, in the US, Blackbird roosts maybe 2 or 3 years old) the infectious organisms can be inhaled as dust if the dried droppings are blown by wind or carelessly disturbed, and cause a 'flu-like illness of fairly short duration in normally healthy people, or more serious problems in those with impaired immune systems or resistance to infection.

Another source of infected soil may be old, and poorly maintained, dirt floors in poultry farms. The infection is not truly a bird disease, since birds themselves are not the source of infection. Beware, however, bat droppings! - bats can become infected, and pass the damaging organisms in their waste.

If a pigeon presence is a problem, there are usually ways of dealing with it which cause no harm to the birds, who simply want to eat, sleep, raise a family or pass the time of day in the only environment they know. Access to balconies can often be blocked by installing special sprung and tensioned wire above railings, and/or blocking any pigeon-sized gaps with mesh. Many roofs have mesh or 'porcupine' wires (always install plastic ones!) along edges, as do large windowsills, or ledges and crevices in older buildings. Never use gels or other 'paint on' substances, as these simply cause the birds injury and mess up railings, etc. It's best to contact an organization like (in the UK) the RSPB or PICAS (see links) for information, and have work carried out by a well~reputed and eco~friendly pest control company.