Hospital pigeons 'under control'

A call for tenders will be issued shortly for the control of pests, including pigeons, at St Luke's and Mater Dei hospitals, the director of institutional health care John Cachia said yesterday.

The contractor will be required "to supplement any additional in-house pigeon control initiatives".

The bidders will be asked to recommend any additional pigeon and pest-control measures, such as vertical netting and spikes, that may be required at any of the hospitals during the contract period, Dr Cachia said.

Dr Cachia's comments were sought in view of the problems caused by the pigeon population at St Luke's Hospital.

"St Luke's has been a priority, but with migration to Mater Dei in the offing, we have also been vigilant about the presence of pigeons at the new hospital.

"So far we do not seem to have a pigeon problem and this augurs well, given that the structures have been there for quite a while.  "Pigeons may become a problem when people start leaving food on the grounds and this will have to be managed," Dr Cachia added.

Over the past few years, the management of St Luke's Hospital has taken initiatives to control the pigeon population and the problems they cause. 

"Although to date, the problem has not been completely resolved, the large pigeon flocks formerly associated with St Luke's are now under control. Healthcare cleaners are making a substantial effort to maintain appreciable environmental hygiene.

"We still have to control a handful of pigeon mite infestations every year. Such hazards are dealt with as a priority and the problem is unfailingly sorted out within 24 hours of an incident report. "In most cases, the issue is resolved within a few hours. Monitoring helps to prevent repeat incidents," he said. Several measures have been taken ranging from sterilisation to nest removal.

"The pigeon pest problems are compounded by the lack of cooperation from visitors, patients and staff. One still regularly sees pigeons feeding in the few remaining nesting pockets.

"The ongoing control measures have shown that the elevated position of the hospital has attracted a good number of lost racing pigeons and others from the neighbourhood.  

"The stepped elevation and cornices are an added constraint for best effectiveness.

The ongoing control measures were favourably commented upon, even by professionally trained pest controllers with vast overseas experience," Dr Cachia said.