Bird droppings, especially in large concentrations, present a risk of disease to humans:

Bird droppings are likely to be found during the following types of work which access nesting sites such as ledges, eaves and lofts

• Construction work
• Maintenance work
• Working in roof spaces
• Demolition work

The most serious risks arise from organisms that thrive in droppings, nesting materials and feathers. These include:

• Bacterial: e-coli, salmonella, listeriosis, campylobacter, psittacosi
• Fungal: histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, candidiasis
• Viral: meningitis, Newcastle diseasse
• Parasitic/Protozoal: toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis

Bacteria and parasites can be inhaled when disturbing nesting sites or ingested by eating contaminated food or eating with dirty hands. People with exisiting health conditions may have weakened resistance and are especially susceptible.

A lesser problem are external parasites, i.e. mites, that can cause skin irritations.

Employers, principals, employees and contractors need to be alert to possible sources of exposure and take precautions such as:

• Select workers whose immune status is high for tasks where exposure to bird droppings is likely. Medical assistance may be needed to obtain a medicial history with attention to diseases including cancer, prolonged oral steroid therapy, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus.
• Avoid relying on chemical sterilisation of bird droppings before removal as this has been proven to be ineffective against all organisms.
• Dampen deposits of bird droppings with a gentle spray of water until sufficiently wet to prevent any dust becoming airborne. Note that strong jets of water may create dust and excessive water may contaminate other areas from subsequent run-off.
• Seal off windows, doors and ventilation inlets
• Wear a high efficiency (HEPA) dust respirator, disposable gloves and overalls. On completion of the task, treat this clothing and respirator filters as if it is contaminated. Add them to the droppings for safe disposal.
• Double bag droppings, contaminated clothing and filters in heavy 3mm plastic bags and dispose of in a landfill
• Non-disposable work clothing and respirators should be removed and placed in a sealed plastic bag for subsequent disinfection before final cleaning and re-use
• Shower after scrubbing work boots