Mystery Bird Virus Not In MA, But Bird Feeder Ban Remains

WORCESTER, MA — State officials have still not detected a mystery virus afflicting song birds along the East Coast — but wildlife experts are still asking Massachusetts residents to keep bird feeders and bird baths mothballed for now.

In a July 30 update, MassWildlife said biologists have not seen any "large-scale mortality events" in the state. The mystery disease has been seen in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana and has sickened blue jays, robins, starlings and common grackles, according to state officials.

Symptoms of the disease include crusty eyes and seizures. Common bird ailments like salmonella, West Nile and avian influenza have been ruled out.

In mid-July, MassWildlife and Mass Audubon asked residents to remove bird feeders and baths as a precaution.

"MassWildlife reminds the public that birds have plenty of natural foods available during this time of year," the state said in a July 30 update. "In order to mitigate any potential disease spread, any activity that results in the congregation of birds (such as feeding birds or filling bird baths) should be stopped while more information is collected."

Some biologists have theorized the disease might be linked to the emergence of cicadas. Billions of Brood X cicadas emerged this spring in Mid-Atlantic and Southern states, which is where most cases of the mystery bird illness have been seen.

MassWildlife is still asking residents to report sightings of sick or dead birds, unless there's evidence the animal was killed by a cat or other common hazard. To report a sick or dying bird, email mass.wildlife@mass.gov.