Grackles and starlings often congregate before migrating in the fall. In addition to being noisy and leaving fecal material everything imaginable, they sometimes carry diseases that can be transmitted via their feces to animals and people. A recent Texas A&M University study reveals bacterial and parasite risks to humans and pets.
Pets should avoid any area where grackles congregate, including well-lit sidewalks and city parks . . .
Source: mySA, September 26, 2018. Link. The researchers also examined the birds’ blood and found the grackles were infected with microscopic roundworms, parasites related to malaria, and West Nile virus, according to the report. About 1.8 percent tested positive for Salmonella sp.
INSIGHTS: This is good information to share on social media, on websites and with local media. Click for more on the many species of grackles <link>.