by johnnymarin | Feb 5, 2019 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
Pigeon droppings were a contributing factor to an infection which led to a child’s death at Scotland’s flagship hospital.
The child died at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and a post-mortem found that they had inhaled fungus which is primarily found in pigeon droppings.
Another patient was also infected but it is thought the infection did not contribute to their death.
Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said a review would be carried out in the design, build, handover and maintenance of the flagship hospital.
She told MSPs that traces of pigeon excrement had been found in a top floor room where there was a small crack in the wall which was “invisible to the naked eye”.
The hospital was built for the Scottish Government at a cost of £842 million and opened at the end of April 2015.
Despite the hospital having only recently been constructed, Ms Freeman said there appeared to be a “number of instances” where the fabric of building was “less than satisfactory”.
After visiting the hospital, the Scottish health secretary said: “I have agreed a review, with external expert advice, that will look at the design of the building, the commissioning of the work, the construction of the building, the handover of the building and the maintenance of the building, in order to ensure we identify where issues were raised that should have been addressed and where maintenance programmes now should be perhaps more robust or more frequent.”
Ms Freeman announced the review after setting out “clear factual points” on the two patient deaths to MSPs at Holyrood.
She said the Cryptococcus bacteria had initially been identified in one patient in November 2018 but was not linked to that person’s death the following month.
Ms Freeman added: “In December a post-mortem of a child who has passed away conformed that Cryptococcus was both present and a contributory factor in their death.”
She explained the second case triggered the introduction of additional infection control measures by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, including prescribing anti-fungal medication to “vulnerable patients” and the provision of additional air filters.
“I am confident the board have taken all the steps they should to ensure and maintain patient safety,” she said.
Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said the public would be “shocked” to learn one of those who had died was a child as she claimed there had been a “complete lack of clarity” from the health board about the infection.
Ms Lennon said: “I think the people of Scotland will feel it is absolutely extraordinary that in a modern hospital, Scotland’s flagship and apparently super hospital no less, we have a situation where pigeons and infections can kill patients.
“If this unthinkable and deadly infection can happen at the flagship Queen Elizabeth, what is to stop it happening at other hospitals?”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Feb 4, 2019 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
In just a few weeks, an Alberta man and a pigeon that showed up at his ranch have become inseparable.
Greg and Maureen Germscheid say the pigeon, which Greg calls Pidge, first flew onto their property last September.
“He looked so terrible when he came here,” Maureen Germscheid told CTV Edmonton.
Their concern grew through the fall, as Pidge continued to show up at the ranch near Entwistle, Alta. A few weeks ago, Greg decided to pick up the pigeon. When the bird didn’t resist or struggle, he says, a bond was formed.
The Germscheids soon found themselves amazed by Pidge’s quirks and seeming intelligence. The bird responds to mentions of its new name and seems eager to accompany Greg on his tractor and the occasional sleigh ride.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Jan 29, 2019 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
In January, thousands of pigeon fanciers flock to the seaside resort of Blackpool where the fastest and most beautiful pigeons are cooed over by some of the most expert keepers in the game.
The British Homing World Show of the Year is the UK’s biggest gathering of pigeon fanciers, attracting up to 15,000 people to the northwest coast of England.
“Whether you are a new member, curious about pigeons, or a veteran pigeon fancier, there is something for everyone at the show,” the event promises.
It is held in Blackpool’s historic Winter Gardens venue.
The Beatles, Queen and Oasis have played in the ballroom and every post-World War II British prime minister has spoken there during party conferences.
But on the third weekend in January, the ballroom is filled with more than 2,000 pigeons, divided into those bred for showing and for racing.
“The atmosphere is very good. It’s basically a reunion for pigeon fanciers. There are people from all over the country meeting up once a year,” said David Trippett, chairman of the show’s organising committee.
“It’s all good competition. Win or lose, people still have a smile on their face,” he told AFP.
– Year-round commitment –
The stereotypical portrayal of a pigeon fancier — working class and from the industrial cities of northern England — no longer rings true.
Queen Elizabeth II keeps pigeons, and the royal loft manager was at the show.
Trippett said it took a special kind of person to keep pigeons.
“It’s commitment. You have to have a commitment to pigeons to be a good pigeon racer,” he said.
“It’s a 365-days-a-year occupation. You can’t go off for a couple of days and leave them. They need cleaning out, feeding, training.
“It’s a lifestyle. You just do it and enjoy it. There’s no finer experience than seeing your pigeons coming home, pigeons that you have fed, bred and nurtured, coming back to your loft from a 500-mile race.
You think: ‘I did that’.”
The show dates back to 1972 and has been held in Blackpool since 1977. Profits go to charity.
Besides the ballroom, trade stalls sell every conceivable pigeon accessory, and birds themselves are up for sale.
– Pigeon v tech –
Trippett said the sport was struggling to compete in a world of video games and digital entertainment.
“It’s fighting with a technological age and it is declining because of that but we are coming up with new incentives to bring more people into the sport,” he said.
There’s a young fanciers programme and lofts are being installed in schools. They are particularly successful with children with special educational needs, said Trippett.
Technology is also creeping into the sport, with live streams of lofts.
Pigeon fancier John Bell won the supreme champion show pigeon title for the seventh time — and the fourth time in a row.
This year’s winner, who is unnamed, was a one-year-old chequer cock pigeon, who won a competition in Scotland to qualify for Blackpool.
“It’s a fantastic achievement. It’s the pinnacle. It’s like winning the lottery for everyone else,” Bell told AFP.
“You’ve got to keep them in the best condition you can; bug free, lice free. The preparation for next year starts now.
“On the judging day, you’re prepping them up to keep them spotless.
“We pride ourselves on this.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Jan 28, 2019 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
Two people died this month after contracting a fungal infection linked to pigeon droppings.
According to The Guardian, investigators believe the individuals contracted the disease at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland. The patients—a child and an elderly man—were being treated for Cryptococcus, an airborne fungus that’s typically linked to wild bird feces. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the board that runs the hospital, confirmed that the senior man died from unrelated the causes, while the factors contributing to the child’s death are still under investigation.
NHS officials announced the hospital has taken “control measures” to ensure other patients aren’t infected. Though Cryptococcus is considered harmless to the majority of humans, the hospital has installed portable air filters to prevent further infections. A small group of child and adult patients who may be vulnerable to the infection been given preventative medication. Officials also said the likely source was found in a non-public hospital room that has since been cleaned.
“[…] Most people who are exposed to it never get sick from it,” Teresa Inkster of NHSGGC told The Guardian. “We are continuing to monitor the air quality and these results are being analyzed. It remains our priority to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.”
The hospital has not identified any other Cryptococcus cases since the control measures were implemented.
The NHS said it could not provide any more details about the aforementioned deaths due to patient confidentiality.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Jan 25, 2019 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
Some children and adult patients with compromised immune systems have been transferred to another area of the hospital away from the source, which the health board said was a “non public area,” and the droppings were removed.
However, a separate issue was then found in the sealant in some of the hospital’s shower room.
Investigations are continuing and air quality tests are being carried out.
The infection is caused by inhaling spores, carried in the air, of the fungus Cryptococcus, which is found in pigeon droppings.
Most infections are mild and produce either no symptoms or a minor influenza- like illness.
However the disease can cause meningitis, high fever, blood abnormalities, pneumonia and even death.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said control measures were immediately put in place, including the installation of air filters and there has been no other cases.
A spokesman said: “We have found a likely source in a non-public area away from wards and the droppings were removed.
“The small number of paediatric and adult patients who are vulnerable to this infection are receiving medication to prevent potential infection. “This has proved effective.
“As an additional precaution, we have also installed portable HEPA filter units in specific areas. These HEPA machines filter the air continuously to give us reassurance for this vulnerable group of patients.
“During the detailed investigation, a separate issue has arisen with the sealant in some of the shower rooms.
“Repairs are underway and our maintenance team are working to remedy this issue as quickly as possible with the minimum disruption.
“As a further precaution, a specific group of patients are being moved within the hospital due to their clinical diagnosis and ongoing treatment.”
Teresa Inkster, Lead Consultant for Infection Control, said: “Cryptococcus lives in the environment throughout the world. It rarely causes infection in humans.
“People can become infected with it after breathing in the microscopic fungi, although most people who are exposed to it never get sick.
“There have been no further cases since the control measures were put in place.
“In the meantime we are continuing to monitor the air quality and these results are being analysed.
“It remains our priority to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Jan 24, 2019 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
In a bizarre but sweet incident, Western Railways stopped services for 5-minutes to rescue a pigeon during peak morning rush hour on Wednesday.
A pigeon got caught in a kite thread and was stuck on an Overhead Equipment mast in Mumbai’s Goregaon railway station. One of the passengers saw it and informed the station master. The latter promptly alerted the Fire Brigade and other requisite authorities, Times of India reported.
After that, the OHE’s power supply was halted for five minutes from 10.28 am to 10.33 am and the bird extricated from its trap.
The authorities were aided by Goregaon’s Samkit Group that offers bird protection and rescue services in the city.
Following Makar Sankranti, social media and animal rights activists were embroiled in serious debate regarding the danger sports like kite flying can cause to birds. An image of a parrot hanging dead from ‘noose’ made of a kite string after the kite-flying festival left many shocked and disturbed.
But while the parrot met an unfortunate end, the pigeon fared better and managed to save its life, thanks to Western Railways.
A similar incident occurred last year in September when a train operator in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s newly inducted magenta line stopped the train on the tracks to save the life of a bird which had fallen on the tracks.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
