DNR: Hoosiers Can Resume Feeding Birds

Monday, September 13, 2021 at 9:32 AM

The actions of many Hoosiers have significantly helped the DNR’s work related to a disease outbreak that started in May.

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Hoosiers in all Indiana counties can now resume feeding birds, according to the DNR.

The Indiana DNR started receiving reports of sick and dying birds across the state in late May. Shortly after the reports came in, the DNR recommended a moratorium bird feeding to slow the spread of a still-undetermined illness that is killing birds throughout the state.

The actions of many Hoosiers significantly helped the DNR’s work related to the disease outbreak. By taking down feeders and submitting more than 4,300 reports, Hoosiers enabled DNR staff to track the disease, detect regional differences, and provide updated recommendations for feeding birds.

Biologists identified more than 750 possible cases in 76 counties that involved specific set of clinical signs such as crusty eyes, eye discharge, and neurological issues.

In July, the DNR reported such cases in Dearborn, Ohio and Ripley counties.

Hoosiers may resume feeding birds if they are comfortable doing so and are not observing sick or dead birds in their yards.

The DNR encourages Hoosiers to clean seed and suet feeders at least once every two weeks by scrubbing feeders with soap and water, followed by a short soak in a 10 percent bleach solution.

Clean feeders will help prevent further spread of disease.

For more information, visit on.IN.gov/songbirddeaths.

Sick, Dying Birds Reported In Three Local Counties