Most Indiana Counties Can Resume Feeding Birds

DNR recommended a statewide moratorium on bird feeding on June 25 to slow bird deaths across the state.

(INDIANAPOLIS) – Bird feeders can go back up in most Indiana counties.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced today that Hoosiers in 76 counties can resume feeding birds, including Dearborn, Ohio, and Ripley counties.

While feeders can go back up locally, seed and suet feeders should be cleaned at least once every two weeks by scrubbing feeders with soap and water, followed by a short soak in a 10 percent bleach solution.

Feeders should be thoroughly rinsed and dried before filling with birdseed, and hummingbird feeders should be cleaned at least once a week with a 10 percent bleach solution.

DNR recommended a statewide moratorium on bird feeding on June 25 to slow the spread of a still-undetermined illness that is killing birds across the state.

Based on data gathered, DNR biologists believe that the bird illness is consistently affecting specific areas. There is no imminent threat to people, the population of specific bird species, or to the overall population of birds throughout the state.

The list of counties where residents should continue to refrain from feeding birds includes  Allen, Carroll, Clark, Floyd, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Lake, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Porter, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe, Whitley.

For more information, visit on.in.gov/sickwildlife.

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