Dead birds cause Austin downtown shutdown

Emergency workers were apparently dressed in hazardous-material suits and fire trucks and ambulances were on standby as tests were carried out for any environmental contaminant or gas or chlorine leaks that might have caused the bird deaths. There were no reports of any people harmed.

“There is no credible intelligence to suggest an imminent threat to the homeland or Austin at this time,” said Russ Knocke, Department of Homeland Security spokesman.

Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services and state authorities are monitoring the situation.