Hitchcock’s Birds, or the Increased Rate of Exposure to Histoplasma from Blackbird Roost Sites

Birds in Human Modified Environments and Bird Damage Control: Social, Economic, and Health Implications

“…A third of the 70 roost sites examined by Chick et al (1981) in Kentucky harbored H. capsulatum, and human populations living near these positive sites had a significantly higher positive histo-reaction than those living near negative sites. Other studies have shown strong positive correlations between incidences of human histoplasmosis and distance from H. capsulatum Infected sites (Furcolow 1961, Tosh et al 1966b).…”

Disease-Causing Fungi in Homes and Yards in the Midwestern United States

“…35 Conidia (spores) are inhaled following nearby soil disturbance as a result of construction or excavation or around potted plants. 27,[36][37][38][39] The problem of birds nesting in large numbers on, in or near buildings is a particular problem. The large amounts of guano and nesting materials may remain for years and pose a health hazard during removal or even fairly minimal disturbance or dust formation.…”

Disease Risks Posed by Wild Birds Associated with Agricultural Landscapes

“…Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis is the most dramatic form of the disease and occurs in people who have inhaled massive doses of spores. Moreover, residents downwind from disturbed contaminated soils can become infected (Latham et al, 1980;Chick et al, 1981). People with HIV are most susceptible to the disseminated form of the illness.…”