The Cassiano Antônio Moraes University Hospital (Hucam), located in Vitória, Espírito Santo, implemented an innovative method about four months ago to manage the pigeon population in its external areas. This new resource is a male tile-backed hawk, named Shiluba, who patrols the surroundings of the unit to disperse pigeons that use roofs, eaves, and other structures as shelter.
The administrative decision arose after noticing a significant increase in the number of pigeons in the Maruípe neighborhood area. A population survey indicated the presence of approximately 60 pigeons near the hospital. The presence of these birds raises concerns due to the risk of their droppings facilitating exposure to fungi, bacteria, and parasites, in addition to potentially damaging ventilation and air conditioning systems, affecting an already vulnerable population.
Although the hospital has not recorded cases of pigeon-transmitted diseases internally, the initiative aims to be preventive, reducing infestation before it becomes a bigger problem. Previously, Hucam used traditional methods, such as sealing entry points and conducting awareness campaigns, but these were not sufficient to solve the issue.
How the work functions
The management of the hawk is carried out by a company specialized in falconry, a technique that employs trained raptors to drive away other species. Shiluba, a six-year-old male, also performs this function at Vitória Airport, where he conducts rounds along with three other birds. The initial process included a detailed mapping of the area and the definition of flight routes, as well as a census to estimate the number of pigeons.
According to Gabriel Furtado, a veterinarian and coordinator of the falconry project at Hucam, the strategy is based on the natural interaction between predator and prey, given that the hawk's species is a natural predator of pigeons and the animal recognizes this as a threat.
Rounds are scheduled primarily in the early morning, a period when pigeons leave their hiding places in search of food and exhibit less activity, coinciding with lower foot traffic at the hospital. As needed, activities can be extended into the afternoon. The work, which started weekly, has become bi-weekly, and David Salles, a hospital employee, has already noticed a reduction in the pigeon population, stating that the decrease occurred faster than expected. A new census is underway to re-evaluate the population size and adjust the frequency of interventions.
Controlled weight and athlete routine
To ensure that Shiluba flies effectively and responds adequately to stimuli during his work, his preparation involves constant training, strictly controlled feeding, and daily monitoring. The ideal flying weight for this hawk is about 500 grams. Before each activity, the team weighs the animal to calculate the exact amount of food needed, based on the predicted energy expenditure for the routine.
This weight control is crucial because it directly impacts the animal's performance. If it is too light, the hawk may have difficulty maintaining flight; if it is excessively heavy, it may lose the necessary interest to react to training stimuli.
Low environmental impact
The selection of this species also considers minimizing impacts on other birds. Gabriel points out that the hawk generally does not show interest in smaller birds, and some of these species are not even startled by its presence. For this reason, falconry is seen as a low environmental impact alternative to deterring problematic birds in places like hospitals, warehouses, and industrial plants, and it is used in airports in several countries.
The company responsible for the service at Hucam also operates at Vitória Airport, using four birds and carrying out actions more frequently. This company is based in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, and offers services in Espírito Santo as well as other states.
Risks and prevention
David emphasizes that pigeon droppings can lead to exposure to fungi, bacteria, and parasites, in addition to causing structural and climate control system damage. Among the illnesses linked to pigeons are cryptococcosis, which can affect the central nervous system and lungs in severe cases; salmonellosis, an intestinal infection; and histoplasmosis, a systemic fungal infection acquired by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.
Histoplasmosis, in fact, was confirmed by the State Health Secretariat (Sesa) and Fiocruz as the cause of a contamination outbreak that occurred a year ago at Santa Rita Hospital, also in the capital. The hawk's action is part of a broader environmental control strategy. David emphasizes that the collaboration of patients, staff, and visitors is vital to prevent pigeons from finding food on site, promoting awareness actions with these groups by presenting Shiluba and explaining the work being done.
A fundamental guideline from the team is not to feed the pigeons. Proper disposal of food waste, correct use of trash cans, and preventing exposed food help make the environment less attractive to the birds. Furthermore, the team instructs that no one should try to touch Shiluba during activities and that all professional guidelines must be followed.
