pigeon fancier’s lung

pathology

Also known as: bird fancier’s lung, pigeon breeder’s lung

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Pigeon fancier's lung, also known as bird fancier's lung, is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This condition occurs when the lungs become sensitized to proteins found in bird droppings, particularly from pigeons, budgerigars, and canaries.12

Upon reexposure to these allergens, an acute inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis) can develop. Symptoms may include fever, breathlessness, cough, and a general feeling of illness. In chronic cases, this inflammation can lead to lung fibrosis and persistent respiratory impairment. Prevention involves avoiding exposure to the offending dusts.12

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immune system disorder
Type III hypersensitivity
…fungal spores from moldy hay; pigeon fancier’s lung, resulting from proteins from powdery pigeon dung; and humidifier fever, caused by normally harmless protozoans that can grow in air-conditioning units and become dispersed in fine droplets in climate-controlled offices. In each case, the person will be sensitized to the antigen—i.e., will…
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…fungal spores from moldy hay; pigeon fancier’s lung, resulting from proteins from powdery pigeon dung; and humidifier fever, caused by normally harmless protozoans that can grow in air-conditioning units and become dispersed in fine droplets in climate-controlled offices. In each case, the person will be sensitized to the antigen—i.e., will…
Read More

occupational disease
Dusts
bird fancier’s lung, and so forth are caused by an allergic inflammatory reaction to the fungal spores present in moldy hay or barley, bird droppings, feathers, and a variety of other organic materials. Symptoms initially resemble those of influenza or pneumonia, but repeated episodes eventually…
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bird fancier’s lung, and so forth are caused by an allergic inflammatory reaction to the fungal spores present in moldy hay or barley, bird droppings, feathers, and a variety of other organic materials. Symptoms initially resemble those of influenza or pneumonia, but repeated episodes eventually…
Read More

respiratory disease
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Variously known as pigeon breeder’s lung or bird fancier’s lung, these represent different kinds of allergic responses to proteins from birds, particularly proteins contained in the excreta of pigeons, budgerigars (parakeets), and canaries.
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Variously known as pigeon breeder’s lung or bird fancier’s lung, these represent different kinds of allergic responses to proteins from birds, particularly proteins contained in the excreta of pigeons, budgerigars (parakeets), and canaries.
Read More