Michael Parsons, of Newton abbot, writes: It was good to read that measures to control feral pigeons are being considered in Newton Abbot. They are a nuisance and a potential danger to health. They cause property damage to buildings (not least by blocking drainage), create filth, destroy garden crops, and their acidic droppings damage equipment and cars. Their faecal dust spreads many infections (60 or so are listed). They can spread viral, mycotic, bacterial, chlamydial and protozoal disease pathogens; histoplasmosis, Lyme disease (now found in Devon), CDC, encephalitis, salmonella, TB, and meningitis. You report that birds of prey might be used – and this is very effective in many cases. But we all need to help. For example, control measures include restriction of their food supply – especially litter – and water, blocking off places of shelter for them, and their nesting and loafing sites. We should not just 'leave it to the council' – every member of the public has a duty to take care. It is the large pigeon numbers that increase the risks and damage. Nor is it just feral pigeons that are dangerous – 'pigeon fanciers lung' can inflict those who breath the dust in pigeon lofts, for example. Let us hope everyone in Newton will co-operate to reduce this nuisance quickly.
