A pigeon infestation is wreaking havoc throughout Port Pirie.
The problem has grown ‘out of control’ in the past five years, with council workers culling 23,000 birds in the past 18 months.
However, the culling has barely made a dent, with the infestation spreading to various buildings around the city.
Mayor Leon Stephens told News Corp papers the local council had started an eradication program in late 2023, but admitted it had not made much of a difference.
He said pigeon shooters would only take birds from underneath the wharf, before being disposed of at the waste transfer station.
Culling also was not done every night.
Mr Stephens said that as there were limited council resources, the local businesses would continue to suffer from the infestation.
The community are now calling for the state government to intervene.
In response, a state government spokesperson told News Corp the dry weather events were to blame for the infestation, adding that the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) would continue to engage with councils.
Last week, an SA Health employee was hospitalised with respiratory symptoms after the work site she was based at tested positive for bacteria from dry pigeon poo.
