DNR recommends removal of bird feeders, baths

After receiving reports of sick and dying birds, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is recommending Indiana residents cease feeding all birds statewide.

Bird feeders, bird baths and other sources that encourage the congregation of wild birds should be taken down or discontinued. Feeders and baths should be cleaned with 10 percent bleach solution and stored until more information is available.

Residents who find birds with eye or head swelling, crusty discharge around the eyes and/or neurological signs (tremors, stumbling, weakness, lethargy) should 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.