The killing of red-billed quelea birds and the pesticides used can have impacts on human beings and other creatures|Bernard DUPONT|CC BY 2.0
The Kenyan government plans to kill up to 6 million red-billed quelea birds that pose a threat to their crops.
Researchers say the organophosphate fenthion pesticide used against red-billed quelea birds can be toxic to humans and other organisms.
The drought in the Horn of Africa has led to a decline in food sources for the red-billed quelea. This forces them to feed on other grains, making them a threat to about 2,000 acres of rice.
The Food and Agricultural Organization states one quelea can consume about 10 grams of grain a day and has invaded about 300 acres already.