Community Chat

[Foxxee]

People are being told to remove birdbaths and feeders to avoid spreading.

A mystery infection that is blinding and killing songbirds is spreading across the US and has now been recorded in thousands of cases in nine states, officials have warned.

The disease—which causes swelling and crusting over of the eyes, as well as neurological impairments—was first reported in the greater Washington D.C area in early May, with cases in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Now, cases are being cited in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and as far west as Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

Many of the birds have crusty, swollen eyeballs, according to a statement from the United States Geological Survey, 'accompanied by wobbly movements that suggest neurological issues.'

While the cause of the illness is still unknown, officials have ruled out many usual suspects, including avian influenza, West Nile virus, salmonella, chlamydia, Newcastle disease, herpes and Trichomonas parasites, among other pathogens.

They also confirm the disease has not been linked to any health issues in humans, livestock or poultry.

The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that most of the impaired birds are otherwise in good body condition, 'likely still being fed by their parents.' 

The agency subsequently updated its report last week to add European starlings, American robins, northern cardinals, house sparrows, brown-headed cowbirds and other songbirds to the list.   

They caution that birds gathered at baths and feeders can transmit disease and have asked the public to remove them until this potential plague has concluded.

'The whole reason for this is because we want birds to be able to socially distance naturally,' said Allisyn Gillet, an ornithologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. 

'They don't have that know-how that that's not okay for them when there's a disease going around.'

Members of the public are advised to avoid handling birds, especially sick or dead ones, but if handling is necessary they should wear disposable gloves and put dead birds inside sealable plastic bags in the trash. 

Anyone encountering sick or dead birds is encouraged to contact their local wildlife conservation agency or submit a report to the United States Geological Survey's mortality event form.

Feeders and bird baths should be cleaned with a ten percent bleach solution, rinsed with warm water and allowed to air dry.

Mysterious illness blinding and killing thousands of songbirds now reported in nine US states | Dail...

[goldensrbest]

Just so sad, a world without birds, is just  beyond thinking.

[Lucky Charm]

Thank you for the article @Foxxee , I've seen a few others posted here, too, in fact one of them suggested it had something to do with the cicadas (sp?).  And the states shown are quite much the same as the cicada plaque a few weeks ago.

Many posters were saying their dogs were eating the cicadas and I hoped the dogs wouldn't get ill.  I image outdoor cats would go after them, too.

I guess the cicada *cycle* is gone now and although I'm in NJ, we never saw one here.  And NJ was listed on all the maps.

[catter70]

I've been hearing about this on the news the past few days. How sad is that. In my area in Pa., we didn't have the cicada thing either.

[On It]

For the bird's sake, I hope the warnings about bird baths and feeders are followed. If this spreads all across the country, it will be a sad, sad day. There might not be any way to come back from this.

[songbird]

This has been going on for a while. At least the past 20 years or so.  Many songbirds are disappearing (in the U.S.)  What is increasing in numbers are crows, starlings, bluejays, etc.  Nuisance and invasive birds.  Changes in climate, habitat, etc also could also be a factor..

[occasionalrain]

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@On It wrote:

For the bird's sake, I hope the warnings about bird baths and feeders are followed. If this spreads all across the country, it will be a sad, sad day. There might not be any way to come back from this.

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That was an unfortunate recommendation and not well thought out when the cause is unknown.

If the birds haven't clean water, massif them will congratulate around dirty puddles spreading the illness. If it's pesticide, contaminated berries and insects will poison them. My feeders will remain up and clean water provided.

[On It]

Following experts advice is the only remedy we have. Cautionary posts have been on this forum urging people to handle bird feeders with care because of how many germs they carry. Now that they could spread disease among the birds themselves it seems logical to follow recommendations.

[Foxxee]

Although, Bald Eagles aren't songbirds, two of the babies in the Southwest Florida nest came down with similar symptoms involving the eyes.

A Wildlife medical team took the babies from the nest, treated them with antibiotics.  The babies were slow to respond, but doctors kept trying with different antibiotics.  They said it wasn't anything common they have seen in eagles.  Following six days of treatment they were placed back in the nest.  Fortunately, the disease didn't return.

I'm not saying what they had is the songbird disease, just thinking same symptoms in eagles doctors couldn't identify.