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Jul 15, 2008 10:10 am US/Eastern

Bird Feeders Help Spread Avian Virus In Keys

KEY WEST (CBS4) ― There's a deadly virus spreading through the Florida Keys but it's only affecting birds, not people.

Wildlife experts say a deadly avian virus is being spread among pigeons and doves through backyard bird feeders in the Florida Keys.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist Dan Wolf explained it this way: "Birds poop where they eat."

Infected birds leave their droppings in the feeders, posing a risk to the next batch of doves and pigeons that come to drink and eat.

Officials are urging residents to temporarily take down their feeders to halt the spread of the paramyxo virus. Before they die, infected birds get lethargic, have a wobbly gait and can't fly straight.

(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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