In the city of Surat, a distressing case has emerged, shedding light on the unforeseen dangers associated with pigeon feeding.
Tragedy struck Ghoddod Road when a 68-year-old man lost his life to a severe lung infection, a consequence of his routine pigeon feeding on the terrace after daily worship.
The victim, identified as Pankaj Desai, had been battling Hypersensitivity Pneumonia for the past two years. The ailment, triggered by exposure to pigeon droppings, became a fatal factor in this unfortunate incident.
“This Hypersensitivity Pneumonia is in three stages, Acute, Sub-Acute, and Chronic stage, in which the first two stages are curable, but if a patient is in the chronic stage, the person will first have to take the help of an oxygen mask and then ventilator. The treatment includes steroids and ammino-suppressed medicines, which can lead to damage in immunity making the person vulnerable to the infections.” Dr. Taresh Patel – Chest Specialist
Desai’s daily ritual of providing seeds/food to pigeons took a devastating turn, emphasizing the hidden risks associated with seemingly innocuous activities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential health hazards linked to interactions with wildlife, even in the most routine and well-intentioned actions.
“A person suffering from Hypersensitivity Pneumonia should avoid feeding the pigeons, and take necessary precautions because it can be fatal,” says Dr. Patel
The incident underscores the importance of public awareness regarding potential health risks associated with close contact with certain animals. It serves as a call for vigilance and caution, prompting individuals to consider the unforeseen consequences of their interactions with wildlife, no matter how commonplace these activities may seem.
