Do Pigeons Carry Diseases? The Real Risk to People

Pigeons can carry a few infections that can pass to people, mainly psittacosis, salmonella, and the fungi that cause cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis. Health agencies describe the risk as low for most people. Infection usually comes from breathing in dust from dried droppings, so the people most at risk are those clearing large build-ups of droppings, and people with weakened immune systems.

Please note: this article is general information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms or are worried about your health, see your GP or a doctor.

Which diseases?

Psittacosis

A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci. The UK Health Security Agency says it usually causes a flu-like illness with fever, headache, muscle aches and cough, and can lead to pneumonia, especially in older or immunocompromised people. It is treated with antibiotics. In England, usually fewer than 10 PCR-confirmed cases are reported each year. The HSE notes it is mainly linked with parrots but also affects pigeons. In pigeons the infection is often called ornithosis (see ornithosis in pigeons).

Salmonella

Some bird droppings carry salmonella, which can cause diarrhoea, according to the HSE. Wash your hands after touching pigeons, feeders or droppings.

Cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis

Fungal infections linked with droppings. NYC Health says the risk is rare and mainly affects people with compromised immune systems.

Bird flu

Pigeons are considered highly resistant to avian influenza, according to the RSPCA. UK government guidance says human infection is rare but can be serious, and advises not touching sick or dead wild birds (see how to dispose of a dead pigeon).

Bird fancier’s lung

An allergic lung reaction to feather dust and droppings in people who keep birds, rather than an infection. See bird fancier’s lung.

Are pigeons dirty?

Pigeons have a reputation as dirty birds, and you will sometimes hear them called “rats with wings”. The birds themselves are not especially dirty. Healthy pigeons preen every day and will bathe in puddles, fountains or a bird bath whenever they can. Pet and racing pigeons kept in a clean loft are no dirtier than a budgie or a chicken.

The reputation comes from where feral pigeons live and how many of them there are. They roost and nest on buildings, bridges and stations, so their droppings build up in places people walk and work. Over time those droppings can damage stonework and become a slipping hazard, and dried droppings can carry fungi and bacteria, as covered above. City pigeons also scavenge food waste, and sick or injured birds may look scruffy and unkempt.

So the risk is mainly from large build-ups of droppings, not from a single pigeon or from being near one. Washing your hands after touching a pigeon, or anything it has soiled, is enough for everyday contact.

How to stay safe

Small clean-ups

NYC Health says routine cleaning of droppings, such as from a windowsill, is not a serious health risk for most people. Wear disposable gloves and washable clothes, and wash your hands afterwards. See how to clean pigeon poop.

Large build-ups

The HSE and NYC Health advise:

Wet the droppings first so dust does not get into the air.
Do not use a pressure washer, which creates contaminated spray.
Wear protective clothing, gloves and a respirator. The HSE suggests an FFP3 mask for work that creates dust.
Bag the waste securely.
People with weakened immune systems should not do this work.

Around pigeons

Wash your hands after feeding or handling pigeons.
Keep bird feeders and baths clean.
Keep pet bird cages and lofts well ventilated, as the UKHSA recommends.

When to see a doctor

If you develop flu-like symptoms or a cough within a few weeks of close contact with birds or droppings, tell your GP about the contact. The UKHSA says the incubation period for psittacosis is one to four weeks.

When to see an avian vet or contact a rescue

If a pigeon you are caring for has wet eyes, sneezing or breathing problems, see a vet. These can be signs of ornithosis. See sick pigeon symptoms.

FAQ

Can you get sick from touching a pigeon?

The risk is low. Wash your hands afterwards.

Is pigeon poop toxic?

It is not poisonous, but dried droppings in large amounts can carry organisms you should not breathe in. See the pigeon droppings guide.

This guide is general information. If a bird is injured or seriously ill, contact an avian vet or a wildlife rescue as soon as you can.

Sources

Last reviewed: 21 October 2026

Last updated 1 November 2026 · Health