Microbial profiling of pigeon feathers in urban environments: A public health perspective from Kota city

Abstract

Feral pigeons (Columba livia) are ubiquitous in urban environments and have adapted to live in close proximity to human populations. This study aimed to investigate the microbial flora associated with pigeon feathers collected from various locations across Kota city, India. A total of 15 feather samples from different sources/sites were collected and were processed using standard microbiological techniques to isolate and identify bacteria and fungi. Bacterial isolates such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus licheniformis, Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were commonly found in the samples. Several isolates of fungal species including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigates, Microsporum spp., Trichophyton spp. Chrysosporium spp. Penicillium spp. and Candida spp. were also identified, many of which are known to be the causative agents of opportunistic infections. The presence of these pathogens on pigeon feathers poses potential health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. This study highlights the role of urban birds as carriers of zoonotic microorganisms and emphasizes the need for public health awareness and effective sanitation measures in urban settings. As pigeons and their by products are becoming risky for human and environmental health, Government has to take some serious actions regarding this.