‘Rats with wings'; pigeons known to spread diseases growing rapidly in B’luru

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: A pleasant morning walk in places like Lalbagh would witness a flock of pigeons feeding on grains thrown by people on the historic Rock.

They feed them, on the grounds of compassion. However, Bird experts feel that this can endanger the health of feeders, as their allergens cause life threatening diseases.

Take the case of a 53 year old woman from Pune, who had fed pigeons and reportedly underwent a bilateral lung transfer after suffering from chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Bird watchers and experts alike have shared a similar view, against the feeding of Pigeons.

JN Prasad, a professional bird watcher, had explained the transformation of allergens into dust particles.

“The excreta of a pigeon, when dried, turns into powder. With the winds, it is being carried into the air we breathe and these allergens can threaten the functioning of the lungs,” he told News Trail.

He also alleged that people heeded to a religious leader’s advice to feed these pigeons so their ‘real estate’ would grow.

“This exposes the greed in people’s minds and the lack of awareness in feeding pigeons,” he commented.

P U Antony, a former zoology professor, said that these pigeons were brought by the British during colonial rule.

He also believes that if the current trend of feeding pigeons persists, then a lot of nuisance would be seen from them.

“Allergens carried by these pigeons also carry bacteria which are sexually transmitted,” he said.

When asked about the authorities stance, P U Antony recalled the time where despite the Karnataka Government’s order, these pigeons were fed as people flouted the rule.

“Awareness needs to be instilled, especially amongst students. It is essential that information on the severity of feeding pigeons be spread amongst the masses,” he added.

Then the strict implementation of rules by the Horticulture department would be sensible.

“If both succeed, then we may see a reduction in their increasing population,” Antony ended.