Humans catching diseases from chicken poo?

I willt wear a mask too in future when cleaning the poo out, are you better off removing it then before its dried out and still moist? I had sick chooks and was wondering if I should wear a mask then as well? Not trying to get to paranoid though!

I got sick (comparable to a bad chest cold) once from cleaning the coop and have worn a mask while doing that ever since.

Now, I am getting worried sick... I have 14 chickens free range. Last night I scraped a bunch of dry chicken poop and swept the dust (lots of it) away from my sidewalk. I foolishly forgot to wear a mask.

Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night with strong sneezing, runny nose, feverish feeling and rapid heartbeat (I get that often when I have a fever). I couldn't sleep all night and now still feel like I am coming down with the flu and have coughing every now and then.

alessadry said:

No, I am getting worried sick... I have 14 chickens free range. Last night I scraped a bunch of dry chicken poop and swept the dust (lots of it) away from my sidewalk. I foolishly forgot to wear a mask.

Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night with strong sneezing, runny nose, feverish feeling and rapid heartbeat (I get that often when I have a fever). I couldn't sleep all night and now still feel like I am coming down with the flu and have coughing every now and then.

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Could be coincidence but go to your doctor.
Chicken poo can harbor fungus which produces histplasmosis in humans which would produce symptoms you describe.

Don't panic, there is treatment, and most people (those without a compromised immune system) recover fine.

But do wear a mask when handling dry chicken poo.

Get better soon (and see that doctor!)

LofMc
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/histoplasmosis/basics/symptoms/con-20026585

Thanks, I will try to stay calm. I think histoplasmosis has a longer incubation time versus Pigeon Fancier's Lung which can develop as early as 4 hours after exposure. I am worried in particular of this latter which can lead to serious complications such as lung fibrosis and even lung failure (it sounds though that these complications occur with chronic exposure). Eeeek, takes away the pleasure of having chicken as I am a super hypochondriac!

It doesn't sound much rare either. I wonder how many people get it and how likely it is to contract. I am still pissed off with myself for forgetting to wear a mask. What's wrong with me? I always wear it when I help hubby clean the coop! For some reason, I guess the fact that I was outdoors and not inside the coop must have thought there was no reason.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0422763816301364

Little Chicky said:

A friend told me that chicken poo, when sitting for a few days in the coop, will gather spores that can inflict a serious lung disease on whoever breathes them in. Is there any truth in this? If so, what is it called and how can it be prevented?...

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All bird poo can harbor Histoplasmosis. Most of us have already been exposed (like maybe 99%) It makes no difference where or who you are. However, those with HIV are more at risk.

alessadry said:

Thanks, I will try to stay calm. I think histoplasmosis has a longer incubation time versus Pigeon Fancier's Lung which can develop as early as 4 hours after exposure. I am worried in particular of this latter which can lead to serious complications such as lung fibrosis and even lung failure (it sounds though that these complications occur with chronic exposure). Eeeek, takes away the pleasure of having chicken as I am a super hypochondriac!

It doesn't sound much rare either. I wonder how many people get it and how likely it is to contract. I am still pissed off with myself for forgetting to wear a mask. What's wrong with me? I always wear it when I help hubby clean the coop! For some reason, I guess the fact that I was outdoors and not inside the coop must have thought there was no reason.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0422763816301364

Click to expand...

Pigeon Fancier's Lung is simply a fancy way of saying allergic asthma due to bird dander. It strikes those who are in close contact with bird dander, typically those kept in the house.

You can have an allergic reaction to anything, and poultry dust is known to cause asthma in workers who are in frequent contact with the dust. It can cause reactions to those who are sensitive.

Histoplasmosis is frequently in bird droppings.

Keep the coop clean and wear a mask to prevent exposure while cleaning if you are sensitive. That is the cure for both unless you have a suppressed immune system or allergic reaction that requires steroids.

Unchecked asthma can lead to fibrosis which is why it is always good to see a doctor if you have symptoms to be sure to control it before it does get out of hand. But most of asthma treatment is avoiding your triggers.