Dove's poo causes asthma

I am no doctor, and I know nothing about pets, but my grandmother always told me to stay away from butterflies, she said that they were not only evil but they would give you allergies. Poop from all kinds of animals is harmful to humans if you don't handle the waste with care.

Doves are related to pigeons, so your Mom does have a valid point there. Some types of pigeons are called 'rock doves.' Here is a page on ehow that explains all the different respiratory problems, as well as other health problems, that are carried by these birds and their droppings. The company my (ex) husband worked for had a huge problem with pigeons roosting in the rafters, and there was much concern over the risk of histoplasmosis, which is a deadly fungal disease that comes from pigeon droppings. They had to all wear masks to remove the pigeon doo-doo! So, your Mom is right on when she says theres a risk of asthma, but there are also many other risks! And...all bird droppings (guano) are potentially dangerous to health. http://www.ehow.com/about_6569523_allergies-pigeon-droppings.html

Asthma is more likely to be caused by tiny mites that are found in the bird's feathers. Being a pet, and probably not flying too much, it is likely to have many more mites than normal. Although all birds can carry mites.