Small thing, they may have responded, especially since they have grown accustomed to ignoring bigger problems at some of the nation’s primary schools.

You know, it would be a straight case of somebody getting sick or falling through some bad flooring and TV6 getting there, before the Ministry of Education would make a move as if it had been on the problem for a long time.

But because they have ignored the problem, probably laughing it off as a few birds harassing the children, the situation has grown considerably worse.

Now, the pests -- regarded as the rats of the bird species -- have all but taken over the school.

They are nesting in all corners of the building, wherever they can find a space.

Therefore, their droppings are everywhere: at the main entrance, on the main staircase and worse yet, near the water taps where the children gather to lime at break time, or even quench their thirst.

Well, I sneaked into the building again to grab a few photos to highlight the problems which parents face, knowing that they are sending their children to school, to gather diseases.

And I am not joking, because I did the research for myself to find out all the hazards which pigeons pose, just in the case the folks at the Ministries of Health and Education are too lazy to get off their rears and do something for the children.

The website pigeon control.com reports that: “Pigeons are a population which is fast growing -- we call them the ‘flying rat’, some people argue this, but they do not know the full extent of the mess, damage and disease they cause.

“Pigeons are not a protected species, they are a health hazard to the work environment, can wreak havoc in the workplace and spread many diseases -- such as lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, (brain disease through mosquito), salmonella, respiratory problems and asthma attacks.

“Pigeons have been likened to asbestos and for the health and safety of your work environment, should be removed and controlled.”

Pigeon’s highly acidic droppings can cause extensive damage to all surfaces and can contaminate products and stored goods.

Many viral diseases and health hazards can occur from the droppings of pigeons.

Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease that may be fatal.

It results from a fungus growing in dried bird droppings.

Candidiasis is a yeast or fungus infection spread by pigeons.

The disease affects the skin, the mouth, the respiratory system, the intestines and the urogenital tract, especially the vagina.

It is a growing problem for women, causing itching, pain and discharge.

Cryptococcosis is caused by a yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons and starlings.

The illness often begins as a pulmonary disease and may later affect the central nervous system.

Since attics, cupolas, ledges, schools, offices, warehouses, mills, barns, park buildings, signs, etc. are typical roosting and nesting sites, the fungus is apt to found in these areas.

St. Louis Encephalitis, an inflammation of the nervous system, usually causes drowsiness, headache and fever.

It may even result in paralysis, coma or death.

St. Louis Encephalitis occurs in all age groups, but is especially fatal to persons over age 60.

The disease is spread by mosquitoes which have fed on infected house sparrow, pigeons and house finches carrying the Group B virus responsible for St. Louis Encephalitis.

Salmonellosis often occurs as “food poisoning” and can be traced to pigeons, starlings and sparrows.

The disease bacteria are found in bird droppings; dust from droppings can be sucked through ventilators and air-conditioners, contaminating food and cooking surfaces in restaurants, homes and food processing plants.

“Besides being direct carriers of disease, nuisance birds are frequently associated with over 50 kinds of ectoparasites, which can work their way throughout structures to infest and bite humans.

“Chicken mites”, for example, are known carriers of encephalitis and may also cause fowl mite dermatitis and acariasis.

“While they subsist on blood drawn from a variety of birds, they may also attack humans.

“They have been found on pigeons, starlings and house sparrows.

“Yellow mealworms, perhaps the most common beetle parasites of people live in pigeon nests.

“Droppings cost money.

“Cleaning crews, related equipment, and time spent can generate large financial outlays unrecoverable by revenues.

“Birds are destructive to property, equipment and merchandise, any of which can lead to large financial losses.

“They deface rooftops, floors, walls, vehicles and equipment.

“They halt operations and make repairs necessary by entangling themselves in machinery or downing power lines.”

And that’s just an indication of the horrible situation we face with a pigeon infestation in a primary school, where the children are younger and much more vulnerable.

With the dry season coming upon us in the next few days the situation will certainly get worse, as the diseases will certainly breed in the hot and dusty conditions.

So, will somebody please put ah hand to save our children from a pigeon infestation.

After all if they are considered as the rat among birds, then we are facing a rat infestation of sorts.

And that’s a dread-ful thing!