Avian influenza strikes Sandhill Cranes in Indiana
Avian influenza has impacted Fish Lake, causing the deaths of hundreds of birds, including a significant number of sandhill cranes. Over the past few weeks, thousands of sandhill cranes have been migrating through the area.
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, nearly 1,500 sandhill cranes have succumbed to avian influenza across Green, Union, Jasper, La Porte, and Starke counties.
Sandhill cranes migrate from their wintering grounds as far south as Florida to Michigan in February and early March.
Common cranes are also frequently affected by avian influenza, with mortality events reported in several European countries, including Hungary, Italy, and Spain, as well as in Israel and Serbia.
The accompanying photos are courtesy of Sean Leone, a resident along the shoreline.
