To many, Casablanca, the “White City” of Morocco, is a spectacular place to live. Every year, countless visitors troop into the city to see and experience for themselves what life in this city can be. While most visitors are drawn to the business opportunities the city offers, a few people are drawn to some of the city’s beautiful sights. Places like the Hassan II Mosque and the Arabian League Park are among the most frequently visited tourist sites. However, this beautiful city, the pride of Morocco and Africa generally, seems to be battling with a public health issue that, according to several health experts and global organizations, may increase health risks for its residents if not properly addressed.
Nabila Rmili. Image Credit: Warda Douhari
The pigeon problem: a growing hygiene concern
One recurring topic of discussion and headlines for news channels and newspapers in Casablanca these days is the dirty and unhygienic state of the city. Even worse is the fact that the dirtiness of the streets stems not only from the indifference of the local authorities towards the building waste beside the city’s beautiful roads and popular areas, but also from similar indifference the administration has shown towards the growing pigeon problem most residents have complained of. The Casablanca pigeons appear to have found a home in the city’s parks and buildings. These are the same parks they litter with their droppings, thus creating an unhygienic and disturbing sight to behold.
Health implications of the pigeon population
Everyone knows that many health problems are associated with unhygienic environments, but do people truly understand the risks?
A number of infectious diseases are associated with bird droppings, particularly from pigeons. These can affect people, especially those with weakened immune systems, when droppings accumulate in large quantities and dry out, allowing fungal spores or bacteria to become airborne. Though most exposures do not lead to illness, certain pathogens can cause serious respiratory conditions when inhaled over prolonged periods or in enclosed environments.
Psittacosis
Psittacosis is an infectious disease that may be spread to humans from infected birds. Though often associated with parrots, pigeons can also carry Chlamydia psittaci, the bacteria responsible for psittacosis.
The bacteria are transmitted when dried droppings become airborne and are inhaled. Symptoms often resemble those of pneumonia: headache, chills, and muscle pain, along with cough and chest discomfort. While treatable with antibiotics, delayed diagnosis can lead to complications.
Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease caused primarily by Cryptococcus neoformans, commonly found in aged pigeon droppings. Infection usually occurs through inhalation of airborne spores in areas where droppings accumulate over time.
This infection can lead to respiratory issues such as cough and chest pain, and in severe cases, may spread to the central nervous system, resulting in meningitis, particularly in people with weakened immune defenses.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is another fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Like cryptococcosis, it is acquired by inhaling spores found in soil enriched with bird or bat droppings. Symptoms can mimic those of flu and may include fever, chest pain, and fatigue.
Severe forms may affect the heart, adrenal glands, or other organs. Though cases in urban environments are rare, the risk increases where droppings are not properly cleaned or controlled.
Clarifying the role of pigeons and influenza
Although pigeons are often mistakenly linked to the spread of influenza, scientific evidence does not currently support them as significant carriers of the virus. Most bird flu strains of concern are linked to poultry or wild migratory birds, not urban pigeons.
That said, general respiratory risks increase in environments where air quality is reduced due to biological waste, including accumulated bird droppings.
Possible solutions
No Pigeon Feeding. Image Credit: Terence Ong
If tackled correctly and effectively, this issue could prove the effectiveness of the Casablanca governing bodies. Additionally, the method used to tackle this problem will also greatly reflect the ability of the current mayor, Dr. Nabila Rmili (a licensed medical doctor), to handle delicate issues as a mayor worthy of public acceptance and respect.
Thus far, the current mayor has proven that public office and service are anything but gender-specific. However, the true test of good leaders comes from how they address issues, especially matters that pose a great risk to their citizens.
Implementing long-term strategies—such as restricting pigeon feeding, improving waste management, and hiring professional wildlife control services—could significantly reduce the problem.
Casablanca is not the only place where pigeons have become a nuisance, but Casablanca is one of the few places managing it very poorly. In places like Venice, London, Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul, though present, the pigeons do not cause as much nuisance as they do in Casablanca. These cities have implemented laws and public education campaigns to address pigeon overpopulation, including anti-feeding regulations.
Educating the public that pigeons are not pets and should not be fed is essential. These birds can survive without human food, and prohibiting feeding is a simple yet effective step toward reducing overpopulation.
The economic consequence of indifference
On the other hand, if treated nonchalantly, not only will public health be affected, but the local economy may also suffer.
According to the Statistica Global Business Cities Report, Casablanca, Morocco’s financial capital, currently ranks 4th among the top five places to do business in Africa, following Cairo, Algiers, and Johannesburg. Looking at the potential profits from investments in the city, business people all around the world are always drawn to the city. What the city lacks in tourist sights, it makes up for in business opportunities.
However, if the growing pigeon problem and poor sanitation persist, the perception of Casablanca as a business-friendly city could decline. Cleanliness, infrastructure, and urban health management are key metrics in investor decision-making.
Related Reading:
Why Scientists Are Worried About Wide-Ranging Bird Flu Outbreaks
The Frequency and Severity of Global Pandemics Likely to Increase
Conclusion
Casablanca is a city full of potential, but it faces real environmental health challenges. If not addressed, the uncontrolled growth of the pigeon population could lead to preventable public health risks and harm the city’s image and economy. It is within the city government’s power, led by Dr. Nabila Rmili, to act decisively and implement proven strategies used by other global cities.
Antifeeding laws, better sanitation, and professional bird control services are feasible, effective, and necessary. With the right measures, Casablanca could set an example in urban public health management across North Africa.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, May 30). Psittacosis: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25023-psittacosis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 24). Clinical overview of cryptococcosis. https://www.cdc.gov/cryptococcosis/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 24). About histoplasmosis. https://www.cdc.gov/histoplasmosis/about/index.html
Commune de Casablanca. (n.d.). Portail officiel de la ville de Casablanca. CasablancaCity.ma. https://www.casablancacity.ma/fr
