No one is killing the birds, Yvonne. John Vial, area manager for the state transportation department, tells us that no state employee is allowed to shoot, gas or poison pigeons perching on the Interstate 5 overpasses. But as to the current location of those pigeons, Yvonne, ODOT s ornithological outlook is less certain. State transportation officials, however, are working with the city to stop pigeons from roosting under the freeway overpasses. Beyond the nuisance of pigeon droppings the city of Medford had to double efforts this summer to clean up the mess splattered on roads, sidewalks and railings there are public health issues to consider, Vial says.
Infected humans can suffer from fever or, worse yet, pneumonia.
Medford s public works department has requested the state s permission to install plastic spikes under the I-5 overpasses to prevent pigeons from roosting there. The devices do not harm the birds, Vial says, but they make it uncomfortable for them to roost on bridge ledges. Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. Mail Tribune, Inc.