On July 15 the state’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife issued an advisory about an unknown disease that is killing young birds in the eastern U.S. Sick and dying birds with eye swelling, crusty discharge, and neurological symptoms were first reported in late May in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
More recently, dead birds with similar signs of the mystery disease have been reported as close by as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Affected species include common grackles, blue jays, European starlings, and American robins.
While there are currently no reports from New England states, both MassWildlife and Mass Audubon recommend that Massachusetts residents stop using bird feeders and birdbaths. Empty feeders and birdbaths should be cleaned with a 10% bleach solution.
MassWildlife asks residents to report dead birds whose cause of death is unknown to mass.wildlife@mass.gov. Include the location, number and species of dead birds, symptoms observed, and any photos. Do not touch sick or dead birds with bare hands, and pets should be kept away from them as a precaution.
To dispose of a dead bird, MassWildlife recommends wearing disposable gloves, placing an inverted plastic bag over your hand, picking up the bird with the bagged hand, then sealing the bag. The bag should either be buried or disposed of in the household trash.
