Unwanted Guests: Pigeons Take Over Piazza Matteotti Building

Residents of a building located at Piazza Matteotti 15 in Carrara are grappling with a important pigeon infestation. The problems reported include foul odors, pigeon excrement covering windows, and the presence of parasites, creating an unsanitary and distressing living habitat.

Health Risks Soar as Pigeon Population Explodes

The primary concern for residents is the potential for health problems arising from the infestation. These birds can transmit diseases through direct contact with their droppings, which are accumulating on windowsills, shutters, and balconies. Exposure to pigeon excrement can led to a range of health issues, including skin irritations, respiratory problems such as coughing and breathing difficulties, fever, and gastrointestinal distress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diseases associated with pigeons include histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. These conditions can pose a significant risk, especially to vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

A GrandmotherS Plea: Desperate Measures for a Sanitary Home

Virginia Foci, the granddaughter of 88-year-old Giorgi, a resident of the affected building, has become a vocal advocate for action. She has already sent two formal complaints (PECs) to the Municipality, detailing the severity of the situation and requesting immediate intervention. Foci reports that her grandmother’s health has been directly impacted by the infestation, with the constant cleaning required leading to dermatitis. the situation has become so dire that Giorgi is essentially “prisoner to her home,” unable to open her windows due to the pervasive excrement.

My grandmother is now confined to the house and is no longer willing to tolerate this situation. She is thinking of binding a protest sign around the neck and positioning itself in front of the municipality as an extreme help action.

Virginia Foci, resident’s granddaughter

The Root of the Problem: Uncontrolled Feeding Fuels Infestation

Foci points to a specific cause for the escalating pigeon problem: the unregulated feeding of the birds by an individual in the square. Despite municipal regulations prohibiting such activity, the practice continues unchecked, leading to an “uncontrolled urban colony” of pigeons. This highlights a common challenge in urban environments: the tension between human compassion for animals and the need to maintain public health and sanitation.

A woman who regularly does the shopping in the square administers large quantities of food to pigeons, promoting an uncontrolled urban colony. Despite the ban on municipal regulations, nobody has done anything.

Virginia Foci, resident’s granddaughter

Demands for Action: A Four-Pronged Approach

Residents are demanding a complete response from local authorities, outlining four key requests:

1. Immediate intervention by the municipal police to sanction those who are illegally feeding the pigeons.
2. An urgent inspection by the ASL (local health authority) to assess the hygienic conditions of the building.
3. Thorough reclamation and disinfestation of the building, including the removal of nests and the removal of excrement.
4. A clear and decisive commitment from the Municipality to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens.

Looking Ahead: Finding Sustainable Solutions for Urban Wildlife Management

The situation in Carrara underscores the need for effective and sustainable urban wildlife management strategies.These strategies often involve a combination of measures, including public education campaigns, enforcement of feeding bans, habitat modification to discourage nesting, and, in some cases, humane population control methods. Addressing the root causes of infestations, such as readily available food sources, is crucial for long-term success. The residents of Piazza Matteotti are hoping that their pleas will be heard and that the Municipality will take swift and decisive action to restore a healthy and livable environment.