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Mysterious Chicken & Bee Deaths: Herbicide Suspected
5 Jun
Summary
- Avian disease ruled out as cause of chicken deaths.
- Herbicide dropped from helicopter is the suspected culprit.
- State investigation expected to conclude in a few weeks.
An investigation into the unexplained deaths of chickens and bees in East Milton, Florida, is nearing its conclusion. State officials have ruled out avian diseases as the cause of the chicken fatalities. Authorities suspect that a herbicide, potentially applied via helicopter in May, is responsible for the demise of an estimated 50 chickens and numerous bee colonies.
Florida's Agriculture Commissioner indicated that definitive answers are expected within a few weeks. While the state is investigating potential chemical poisoning, the focus is on whether mistakes or human error occurred during the herbicide application. Companies involved are cooperating with investigators.
Florida Power and Light has voluntarily halted its herbicide spraying program indefinitely. The company is providing full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The owner of the affected farm has reported that its quarantine has been lifted, allowing for the sale of eggs and birds, though caution remains regarding egg sales from remaining flocks.
