This winter, avian influenza viruses have continued to circulate in wild birds across Pennsylvania, and more birds will be migrating to and through the state in the coming weeks.  

The Pennsylvania Game Commission continues to respond to the outbreak, and is asking the public to report any wild birds observed sick or found dead.  

Reports can be phoned in to 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453). Submitting reports allows the Game Commission to step in with wildlife-management actions including dispatching sick wild birds, recovering and removing carcasses, pursuing diagnostic testing, and conducting stakeholder outreach. The Game Commission does not advise that the public handle any abnormal, injured, sick or dead wildlife unless authorized to do so. 

While avian influenza typically does not affect bird species that frequent birdfeeders – and there’s no prohibition on feeding birds during the outbreak – birdfeeders and bird baths should be emptied every couple of weeks, washed with soapy water, rinsed, then disinfected with a 10% household bleach solution before refilling. If noticing multiple sick or dead birds over a short period of time, taking feeders down and emptying bird baths helps ensure a potential outbreak is not made worse. 

More information about avian influenza is available through the Game Commission’s website.