Health
A social media campaign by PETA India ignited a debate over urban wildlife management, pitting animal welfare concerns against medical evidence of serious health risks posed by birds.
Health
The row erupted after Maharashtra’s government declared pigeons “dangerous” and imposed a blanket ban on feeding them across Mumbai, citing public health concerns.
Health
The animal rights organisation said only 0.3 percent of respiratory illness cases in Mumbai’s three largest civic hospitals in 2024 were linked to pigeon exposure.
Health
However, the medical community has responded with alarm, pointing to a growing body of Indian research documenting serious health consequences from pigeon exposure.
Health
Scientific evidence from India provides compelling support for these medical concerns.
Health
The health risks extend beyond respiratory issues. Dried pigeon droppings can release cryptococcus and histoplasma fungi, both capable of causing serious infections.