This page is for the United Kingdom. corvids should not automatically be called a sanitary problem just because people dislike them. A real health risk must be assessed from facts, not from fear of wild birds.

A better way to think about risk

  • Any wild animal can carry organisms, but normal distance, hand washing and sensible cleaning make the risk very low in ordinary situations.
  • Food, rubbish and open waste attract many animals. Fix the cause first instead of blaming the birds.
  • Droppings on benches, balconies or pavements can be cleaned in the same practical way as other outdoor dirt: wet it first, avoid dust, use gloves, and wash hands afterwards.
  • During the breeding season, noise and defensive behaviour are usually temporary. Killing birds rarely solves the reason they came there in the first place.

If authorities are involved

Ask for a written explanation of the actual health risk, which law or local rule is being used, and which non-lethal measures have been tried. If this page is missing a good source for the United Kingdom, please contact me so I can add it.