RAPID CITY, S.D. – Dying birds in Rapid City have reached a level that is prompting the state’s Game Fish and Parks Department to investigate.
People first started reporting dead birds at the end of 2019. The public reported as many as 100 more deaths so far in the new year.
Game, Fsh and Parks officals have now confirmed a virus is affecting dove species in the community and in surrounding areas.
The Paramyxovrus virus (PPMV-1) affects the Eurasian collared dove, mourning doves, and band-tailed doves.
Trenton Haffley with the Game Fish and Parks says that disposing of the infected birds is safe if done correctly. He recommends using gloves or a trash bag to avoid direct contact when disposing of the carcass. According to Haffley, the virus is known to cause pinkeye or a variant of conjunctivitis in humans.
Haffley says dogs and cats can’t catch PPMV-1, but unvaccinated chickens are at risk for the disease.
