Controlling spread of avian flu

I feel that Tonio Galea (August 31) raised a very valid and topical point on the potential avian flu threat posed by pigeons. The local free-roaming pigeon population may serve as a reservoir of disease if they are joined by infected feral birds carrying the flu. Such pigeons are often in close direct contact with several species of wild birds and may migrate with them.

In the late 1970s pigeon flocks on farms in Malta were culled to stamp out the spread of foot and mouth disease among the cattle population. Whether several strains of avian flu viruses cause only zoonosis (diseases affecting animals only) or whether the viruses concerned may mutate into forms that also affect humans remains a big question. However to avoid deep regret, it is best to adopt the precautionary principle and timely pro-active measures are put in place.

Effective pest control methods should be employed to tackle what is so often referred to as the "feathered rat" population. This would also safeguard the thriving number of pigeon fanciers who spend a fortune to rear healthy racing pigeons. A temporary precaution may also include the suspension of pigeon races at least for the time being, pending further developments in the spread of avian flu. Seeking professional veterinarian advice and extra hygienic measures in lofts are also advisable.

In some localities such as Pietà, Floriana and Valletta pigeon populations have reached more than saturation point. Feeding of these birds should not be encouraged. Even more so, children should not be allowed to hand-feed pigeons.

Scientific evidence exists that wild pigeons can harbour numerous types of pathogenic viruses and bacteria such as the common food poisoning salmonellae. Pigeons parched with thirst often end up drowning in roof-top water tanks when these have their lids blown away by the wind. These birds would then decompose and lead to gross contamination of the water. Their droppings also contain many types of germs in addition to highly corrosive chemicals such as ureic acid, which damage limestone building façades and car paintwork.