Skin tests by the National Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta, GA indicate that more than 30,000,000 people living in the United States have had the disease. A closely related serious disease, cryptococcosis , also stems from the droppings of pigeons. Salmonella Typhimurium, the most frequent cause of Salmonella poisoning in man, is also present in one pigeon of every 50 studied by the Public Health Service. Mites found on pigeons and sparrows will infest upholstered furniture, bedding and even humans. In storage warehouses, pigeons and sparrows will cause severe damage to equipment and materials.
Utility companies report heavy damage to circuits and equipment.
Communities report water and food contamination. Gulls, blackbirds and certain other pest birds have been directly responsible for many airline accidents with immeasurable loss of life and money. In keeping with today's ecological standards, Avitrol, a chemically treated bait, causes the pestbirds to vacate the area. This occurs when a few of the birds which ingest the treated bait react in such a way that causes the others to be frightened away. Avitrol is a product developed by millions of dollars worth of research over a period of years.