Hundreds of Indiana Birds Affected in Midwest "Event"

Indiana - Statewide, 285 birds have been reported sick and dying, while other states report similar occurrences.

During a Friday media session, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources addressed a condition in Midwestern birds that has been reported in 53 counties. The condition, which causes eye crustiness and swollen heads, has been reported in Grackles, Starlings, Blue Jays and Robins.

The Indiana Diagnostic Disease Laboratory has been testing samples and has yet to find the root cause of the illness. The tested birds have come back negative for both Avian Influenza and West Nile Virus.

Similar conditions have been reported in Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, among other states.

Indiana DNR's Allisyn Gillet urged the public to stop feeding birds, including hummingbirds, until the event ends.