A mysterious disease is spreading among songbirds in Washington, D.C., and 10 states, including Pennsylvania.
Some undetermined cause is killing nestling and fledgling songbirds – mostly blue jays, cardinals, grackles, robins and cardinals – after first leaving them with eye swelling, crusty discharge around the eyes, blindness and neurologic issues.
“In some cases, these birds have been found dead in large numbers,” according to the Wildlife Futures Program of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
In addition to Pennsylvania and Washington, cases have been reported in Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.
WFP noted that the epicenter of the outbreak appears to be Washington, with wildlife rehabilitation centers in that area receiving the largest number of cases to date. Those centers each have seen more than 100 cases.
Infected birds were first found in May.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center, which is one of the partners investigating the outbreak, noted that “birds congregating at feeders and baths can transmit disease to one another” and recommended that the public:
- Cease feeding birds until this wildlife mortality event has concluded.
- Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution.
- Avoid handling birds, but wear disposable gloves if handling is necessary.
- If you must remove dead birds, place them in a sealable plastic bag to dispose with household trash.
- Keep pets away from sick or dead birds as a standard precaution.
- If you encounter sick or dead birds, contact your state or district wildlife conservation agency.
The Wildlife Futures Program includes a Bird Mortality Reporting Form on its website.
For more outdoor coverage, subscribe to Marcus Schneck’s free, weekly Outdoor Pennsylvania newsletter right here:
You also can contact Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.
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June 30, 2021 at 10:32PM
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Mysterious bird disease found in Pennsylvania - pennlive.com
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