LANDER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is receiving reports of sick and dead songbirds on the north side of Lander. Specifically house finches displaying crusty eyes and lethargy. These clinical signs are characteristics of avian conjunctivitis. Wildlife officials ask that residents in that area remove seeded bird feeders and other congregation points for four weeks to help slow the spread of the disease. 

Summer feeding risks and feeder management

During the summer, wild birds do not depend on supplemental seed feeding because natural food sources such as insects, native seeds, and other wild food sources are abundant. Seed feeders during the summer can result in crowded gathering points where diseases spread rapidly through saliva, feces, and other close contact. Removing these points of transmission could help out local populations if disease is present. 

• Seed Feeders: If you notice sick or dead birds around your yard, immediately remove all feeders, clean them thoroughly (10% bleach solution), and keep them down for four weeks to discourage birds from congregating in contaminated areas.

• Hummingbird Feeders: Hummingbird feeders may remain up, but nectar ferments quickly in summer heat. Clean hummingbird feeders every 2 to 3 days using hot water and mild soap, refilling with fresh sugar water to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

• Feeder Types: When feeding resumes, favor hanging feeders over platform feeders, which collect feces and moisture that cause seed to mold.

Managing bird baths and water sources

Heat draws birds to water, making clean bird baths essential to prevent cross-contamination.

• Multiple Stations: Provide multiple, spread-out water sources across your yard to prevent crowding at a single location.

• Sanitation Protocol: Empty and refresh water daily. Disinfect baths once a week by scrubbing away dirt and feces with warm, soapy water, applying a bleach solution- 9 parts water, 1 part bleach (10%), letting it sit for 15 minutes, and rinsing thoroughly before drying completely.

Public safety and reporting

Diseases such as Salmonellosis, Aspergillosis, Trichomoniasis, Mycoplasmosis and Avian Paramyxovirus can affect wild birds and, in some cases, transmit to humans or household pets.

• Handling: Always wear disposable gloves when handling dead birds or cleaning feeders and baths, and wash your hands and arms thoroughly afterward. Remove dead birds promptly so pets cannot access them.

• Reporting: If you find three or more dead birds on your property, call your regional Game and Fish office. To submit carcasses for testing, wear disposable gloves, double-bag the body, and keep it cold or frozen until transport.

For additional guidance and to report observations, contact your regional Game and Fish office or the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wildlife Health Laboratory at 1-307-745-5865, wgfd-lab-notifications@wyo.gov.  Disease distribution maps and additional info can be found on the WGFD website.