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| Figure 1. (Adams 2009) |
The abundance of starlings near
human homes poses a nuisance and a health concern. Although they pose greater threats to livestock, starlings
are a sanitation issue in urban areas in which humans reside. Six viral diseases, five bacterial
diseases, four protozoan diseases, and two fungal diseases can be transmitted from
starlings to humans and other animals (Lynch & Messmer 2010). Histoplasmosis, which can be contracted
by breathing in fungal spores in the air from starling droppings, is a
particular problem for humans (Lynch & Messmer 2010). It can cause blindness and even death
in severe cases such as those found in third world countries and in AIDs
patients because of their suppressed immune system (Lynch & Messmer 2010).
Starling roosting habits cause further health concerns for humans. They often roost in high-rise buildings, industrial structures, and trees near homes in both urban and rural settings. Their distracting cries which mimic the calls of other bird species and could potentially distract humans constructing buildings and the accumulation of their acidic, metal-corroding feces are particularly destructive and dangerous in industrial structures aside from being a nuisance(Lynch & Messmer 2010).
Works Cited:
Adams, C.
(2009) Flocks of starlings
infiltrating urban areas across U.S. Shakespeare to blame. Examiner. (Date Accessed: May 17, 2013.) http://www.examiner.com/article/flocks-of-starlings-infiltrating-urban-areas-across-u-s-shakespeare-to-blame-photos
Lynch, J, & Messmer, T. (2010) European
Starlings. Wildlife Damage
Management Series. Utah State
University Cooperative Extension.
(Date Accessed: May 13, 2013.)
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/nr_wd_011.pdf
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