Bird flu has now been confirmed in Australian wildlife across multiple states.
While health authorities currently consider the risk to the general public low, infection can occur through close contact with infected birds, their droppings, feathers, bodily fluids or contaminated nesting areas. Australian Centre for Disease Control
For homeowners with pigeons nesting underneath their solar panels, this creates a risk that should not be ignored.
Solar panels provide birds with a protected place to live, breed and shelter. Over time, the area underneath the panels can become filled with droppings, feathers, nesting material and sometimes sick or dead birds.
This contamination is often completely hidden from the residents living below.
What Are the Health Risks?
Bird flu infections in people are rare, but symptoms can include red or sore eyes, fever, coughing, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, bird flu can cause pneumonia and serious respiratory illness. Department of Health and Aged Care
The greatest concern for residents is coming into contact with an infected bird or disturbing contaminated droppings, feathers and nesting material. Children, pets and anyone accessing the roof may also come into contact with sick or dead birds without realising the danger.
Not every pigeon carries bird flu. However, homeowners cannot tell from the ground whether the birds living on their roof are healthy or what has accumulated underneath their solar panels.
Allowing pigeons to continue nesting directly above your home creates an unnecessary and preventable exposure risk.
The Australian Government advises people not to touch or approach sick or dead birds. Multiple sick or dead birds should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Australian Centre for Disease Control
Prevention Is the Safest Protection
Installing Australian Solar Mesh prevents pigeons and other birds from accessing the protected space underneath your solar panels.
This stops your solar installation from becoming a permanent nesting and breeding area and prevents bird waste from continuing to accumulate directly above your home.
With confirmed bird flu events now recorded in Australia, homeowners have more reason than ever to prevent birds from living underneath their solar panels.
Do not wait until you discover a sick bird, dead bird or severe contamination.
Protect your family. Protect your home.
Australian Solar Mesh
Do it once. Do it properly.