Bird-Related Illnesses: Ornithosis and How to Stay Safe Around Crows
Ravens can carry infections that affect humans through direct contact with the bird or even by handling a fallen feather. This information comes from a medical analysis conducted for socialbites.ca by a specialist in infectious diseases who serves as the medical director of a private clinical laboratory network. The guidance below reflects that expert perspective and aims to help readers in Canada and the United States better understand potential risks and practical safety steps.
Experts advise avoiding close contact with crows whenever possible. Direct encounters with a bird can lead to ornithosis, an acute infectious disease whose reservoir includes wild birds. The danger is real whether a bird appears ill or perfectly healthy. Ornithosis is caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci, which can be shed in bird droppings and spread across feathers as birds move and perch. In crows, this pathogen is commonly found in feces and can linger on plumage as the beak spreads material across the body during movement.
Airborne transmission is another important route. When droppings mix with dust and dry out, the resulting dust can be carried by wind whenever birds take flight. Areas where birds gather in large numbers, such as rooftops or communal roosts, pose the greatest risk for psittacosis exposure. People who work or play on buildings where ravens perch should be especially mindful of these conditions.
There is also concern about contact with fallen feathers. Children are particularly vulnerable to exposure in settings such as yards, playgrounds, or school grounds where scavenged or discarded feathers may be present. Handling feathers is discouraged because even seemingly inert feathers can harbor the bacteria and raise the chance of infection if touched and then touched to the face or mouth.
In practical terms, experts recommend avoiding handling pens or other objects that might appear contaminated by bird material. If a feather or other bird material is found, do not attempt to clean or process it. The safest action is to dispose of the object and wash hands thoroughly with soap, followed by an antiseptic application. Consistent hand hygiene is a simple, effective line of defense when around birds or bird debris.
Overall, awareness of the potential for ornithosis helps individuals reduce their risk through preventive behavior. Public health messaging emphasizes avoiding direct contact with wild birds, minimizing exposure to droppings and feather debris in shared spaces, and practicing routine hygiene after outdoor activities in areas where birds congregate. This approach supports safer interactions with urban wildlife while preserving the benefits of outdoor environments for communities across North America.