There has been much recent debate about problems with feral pigeons in parts of Sliema. There is no dispute that the droppings are unsightly and unhygienic and this is reason enough to try to control the proliferation of pigeons, basically not to feed them. The flurry of letters on this subject contrasts with the rarity with which concern is expressed in our media about the heavy pollution from traffic, which is an exceedingly serious (but invisible) threat to our health.
Though there are a number of diseases that can be acquired from birds, the likelihood of developing such disease from feral pigeons is remote and tends to get exaggerated. Such disease occurs as a result of high levels of exposure to bird feathers or droppings and it is seen mostly as an occupational disease in bird breeders, pet shop employees and veterinarians.
Most health professionals will probably not get to see any cases in their lifetime. Briefly, these diseases are histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, caused by a fungus in soil and bird droppings throughout the world; psittacosisis, a rare infectious disease in humans and transmitted almost exclusively from parrots; and pigeon fancier’s lung, a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (chronic pigeon breeder’s disease) mostly seen in pigeon and bird breeders or farmers heavily exposed to bird droppings or mouldy hay or straw.
On the other hand, there is solid scientific evidence that exposure to traffic pollution is associated with early death from lung cancer, heart and lung disease. Children are particularly affected, as witnessed by Malta’s record high prevalence of childhood asthma. It has also become apparent that children exposed to traffic emissions grow with permanently stunted lungs. These children will probably die sooner in adulthood than those not so exposed.
It is shameful that heavy traffic pollution in Sliema continues to be ignored when it needs urgent attention. Continuing unsustainable property development in Sliema while disregarding the health impacts of traffic can only be regarded as recklessly putting money over people’s health, especially that of our children.
Health Department and Sliema council please note.