AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho — Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) on Oct. 25 was contacted regarding a "multitude of pigeons" that were dying or already dead in an unoccupied building in American Falls.
IDFG conservation officers responded to the unoccupied building to discover more than 200 birds that were dead or dying. Officials said several dead birds were collected, then submitted for disease testing on Monday, Oct. 28.
As of now, it is not known what is impacting these birds, or if the problem is contagious or not.
Idaho Fish and Game said that in the meantime, avoid handling dead or dying birds in the area. Keep pets away as well and don't allow direct contact with the dead birds.
If you have a dead bird on your property that you would like to get rid of, here's some tips provided by IDFG:
- As a reminder, dead wild birds may carry germs that are harmful to other birds and humans.
- Members of the public should avoid having direct contact with the dead body or body fluids of dead wild birds.
- People should wear disposable waterproof gloves and a mask when picking up dead birds. A disposable apron or coveralls might be needed.
- Dead birds should be placed in a thick plastic bag and the bag sealed with duct tape. The bag with the dead bird should be placed into a second thick plastic bag along with disposable gloves, mask, and apron or coveralls.
- The outside of the second bag should be sprayed with disinfectant before being placed in a garbage bin
When test results are completed, Idaho Fish and Game said it will notify the City of American Falls, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the public.
