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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced Friday that all Hoosiers can resume bird feeding, but says they may never know what caused the deaths of thousands of birds across the state.
After numerous reports of sick and dying songbirds statewide, MNR recommended on June 25 that all Hoosiers stop feeding the birds to slow the spread of the still undetermined disease.
More than 4,300 sick and dying songbirds have been reported to DNR, many of which exhibit a specific set of symptoms – crusty eyes, eye discharge and neurological problems.
The DNR says all affected birds tested negative for avian flu, West Nile virus, salmonella, chlamydia and other common viruses and parasites.
Many species have been affected, MNR said, including the American robin, blue jay, common blackbird and northern cardinal.
The last counties to receive the green light from MNR were Allen, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Lake, Marion, Monroe, Porter and St. Joseph.
MNR recommends that all bird feeders be cleaned at least once every two weeks with a 10% bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned at least once a week.
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