Hopkinsville, Ky. Invaded by Millions of Birds

In a repeat of what happened in the latter part of the 1970s, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, has again been invaded by millions of birds, with the primary species being blackbirds and European starlings.

Those watching the bird invasion say the numbers of them are in the millions.

To manage the situation, the city has hired a pest control company. McGee Pest Control's primary weapon against the birds is air cannons and "bird-bangers." The problem is all that does is keep the birds on the move so there isn't too much excrement, which could cause health problems in humans and pets.

Since birds can carry histoplasmosis, a fungal disease, it can cause lung diseases with pneumonia-like symptoms, as well as lung infections. Diseases from the bird droppings can also kill dogs.

The most susceptible people to the disease are those with existing respiratory problems or a low immune system.