DNR recommends removing bird feeders and baths statewide

DNR is grateful for residents' help during this disease outbreak

(Photo Provided)

After receiving reports of sick and dying birds in over 50 Indiana counties, DNR recommends Indiana residents pause feeding birds statewide out of an abundance of caution. This includes bird feeders (including hummingbird feeders), bird baths, and other sources that encourage the congregation of wild birds. Limiting crowding can help reduce the spread of disease and potentially prevent additional bird deaths. DNR also recommends cleaning feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution and storing them until more information is available.

Residents who find birds with eye or head swelling, crusty discharge around the eyes, and/or neurological signs (e.g., tremors, stumbling, weakness, lethargy) are asked to submit the sighting to DNR’s sick or dead wildlife reporting system. Biologists are actively tracking reports and samples have been submitted to the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. No definitive cause of death has been identified at this time, but several causes have been ruled out. We are posting updates on our website and social media. 

DNR is grateful for residents' help during this disease outbreak. Submitting reports, taking down feeders, and spreading the word about the outbreak have likely reduced the number of bird deaths. These reports have also given our biologists a much better understanding of this unknown illness's spread and the species affected.