(LA JUNTA, Colo.) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said an avian virus is causing a significant die-off of an invasive species in the lower Arkansas River valley near La Junta and Rocky Ford. CPW said officers in the region are receiving a high volume of calls about hundreds of non-native Eurasian collared doves that have died recently. CPW sent two dead doves to the health lab for testing and they came back positive for Avian Paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1). “This is something that primarily affects collared doves and pigeons,” Wildlife Officer Jordon DePriest said. “We want the public to know the reason for the die-off so they don’t have to worry about it.” PPMV-1 is different from the influenza viruses that have circulated in recent years. Humans generally are not affected by PPMV-1. “We believe this virus will be limited to Eurasian collared doves, for the most part, and will run its course in a few weeks,” DePriest said. “Of course, we don’t recommend people handle sick or dead birds and keep your children, pets, and domestic birds away from them.” CPW said its a good idea to clean backyard birdfeeders weekly, in general. If you are concerned about attracting sick wild birds, take birdfeeders down altogether.