Officials have poisoned hundreds of starlings in the south-central Nebraska city of Grand Island, hoping to reduce the health threats posed by the bird droppings.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the toxic chemical being used won’t affect people, other animals or any other birds.

Residents are urged to use gloves or shovels when picking up and disposing of the bird carcasses.

The city began poisoning starlings back in 2005.

Health officials say starlings can spread salmonella, E. coli and West Nile and can perpetuate a fungus soil known as histoplasmosis.