The Earl of Haddingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research they have conducted into the infectious viruses and bacteria carried by feral pigeons in inner city areas; how many cases of meningitis have been recorded in such pigeons; what research they are aware of that has been carried out by breweries and distilleries or by the relevant environmental agencies; and whether such tests have been carried out around university campuses.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health (Baroness Jay of Paddington)Outbreaks of human meningitis are caused by person-to-person spread, and the viruses and bacteria that cause such outbreaks are 93WA not carried by pigeons or other birds. Pigeons may carry cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal organism which can cause a sub-acute type of meningitis in certain susceptible people such as the elderly and immuno-compromised.
The Government have not conducted any research into the infectious viruses or bacteria carried by feral pigeons in inner city areas in the last 10 years, and are not aware of any such research carried out by breweries, distilleries or others.