Bird and Bat Hazard Awareness

Bird and BatHazard Awareness Safety and Environmental Management 581-4055 MTM095 Aug 4, 2004

Goal • To introduce you to some of the common concerns related to birds and bats

The Culprits Bats Pigeons

The Problem • Both birds and bats inhabit: • Trees • Buildings • Other structures on campus

Coexistence • Everyday we interact with these animals in a harmonious manner • Both bats and birds play an important role in helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem • Bats reduce the amount of insects in an area • Pigeons eat our litter and weed seeds

Health Hazards ~ Bats and Birds • Typically, the potential occurs when bat or bird populations have increased interaction with humans and their daily work area • People are already aware of some of the hazards associated with certain animals, but overlook those related to birds

Bats • Most common found at UMaine is the Little Brown Bat (at right) • In summer the Little Brown Bat inhabits trees, old buildings and attics

Health Hazards ~ Bats and Bat Droppings • Rabies: We do not want anyone to come into direct contact with bats or bat droppings • Everyone is probably aware that bats can carry the rabies virus, however, there are NO cases in Maine of the transmittal of rabies from NON-physical contact

Bats • Histoplasmosis: a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (which occurs naturally in soil). • Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily affect the lungs. • Occasionally, other organs are affected. This form of the disease is called disseminated histoplasmosis, and it can be fatal if untreated.

Bats • Histoplasmosis: Can be attributed to contact with bats or large accumulations of bat droppings and/or inhalation of spores • Key to control is recognition, isolation and cleaning • Although the disease is rare, it can occur, however it is usually restricted to those with weakened immune systems • No significant health risk is present at UMaine, granted precautions are taken

Bats ~ What to do • Do not attempt to catch, touch or remove bats • Do not attempt to clean up bat droppings • If you’ve been exposed to a bat (physical contact such as a bite or scratch), or suspect exposure (i.e. an unattended or sleeping child) • Isolate the bat by closing the windows/doors to the room • Contact Facilities Management Department at 581-4400 • The FM group will send qualified personnel to remove the hazard

Birds • The University of Maine has a large and diverse population of birds • The most significant hazards are related to large accumulation of bird droppings

Birds ~ Health Hazards • Cryptococcus: Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans (which also occurs naturally in soil). • Cryptococcosis can cause serious symptoms of brain and spinal cord disease, such as headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion. • Generally affects those with a weakened immune system • Psittacosis: bacteria, which is only found in bird droppings and secretions is not associated with bats or soil • Safety Hazards • In large accumulation droppings can present slip and trip hazards on steps, ladders, work surfaces, etc.

Birds ~ Safety Controls • The key is to recognize the hazards of bird droppings early before they become a true hazard • Do not attempt to catch, touch or remove birds • Do not attempt to clean up bird droppings • Isolate the area and contact the Facilities Management Department at 581-4400 • The FM group will send qualified personnel to remove the hazard

Responsibilities~ Birds and Bats • In general, it is each supervisor’s responsibility to train their workers on the potential hazards of birds and bats • Maintenance personnel that happen to enter an area where large amounts of droppings are present should not perform cleanup or control such situations, unless they have been properly trained • The department that is assigned the space is responsible to contact Facilities Management for cleanup and control measures prior to personnel entering the area

What’s Next? • If you have additional questions regarding health conditions that may be of concern, you should contact your primary care physician for guidance • Further questions in this area should be directed to the UMaine Human Resources Department

Bird and Bat Hazard Awareness