In late May, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources began receiving reports of sick and dying birds with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs. They are urging Kentuckians to clean feeders and bird baths as well as keep pets away from sick or dead birds.
Wildlife agencies in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia have reported similar problems.
State wildlife agencies are working with diagnostic laboratories to investigate the cause of mortality. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has sent more than 20 samples for lab testing to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia. More results are pending, but no definitive cause of death has been identified at this time.
In Kentucky, reports of sick and dying birds have come from Jefferson, Kenton and Boone counties. Thus far, species affected have been blue jays, common grackles and European starlings, but other species may be affected as well.
Birds congregating at feeders and baths can transmit disease to one another. Therefore, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recommends the public follow these guidelines statewide:
- Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution immediately, then weekly thereafter
- Avoid handling birds, but wear disposable gloves if handling is necessary
- Keep pets away from sick or dead birds as a standard precaution.
If you must remove dead birds, place them in a sealable plastic bag and dispose of the bag in a secured outdoor trash receptacle.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will post additional information on its Wildlife Health and Disease webpage and social media channels as diagnostic results become available.
Report encounters with sick or dead birds to KY Fish and Wildlife here.
