Sick, Dying Songbirds Reported In North Carolina: Here's Why

NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina wildlife officials are asking bird lovers in the state to temporarily remove bird feeders in their yards in order to help stop the spread of a new disease that is killing songbirds.

The disease, which causes birds' eyes to swell and produce a crusty discharge, is transmitted when birds congregate at bird feeders and bird baths, according to wildlife officials.

"In late May, biologists began to receive reports of sick and dying songbirds in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky," North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said in a Facebook post Tuesday. "Infected birds appear to be lethargic and/or have crusty or swollen eyes. More recently additional states have been included, and our agency has begun receiving reports of sick and dying birds which may be due to the new disease."

Reports of the bird disease have been made in Connecticut and in Indiana, where more than 3,400 sick birds have been reported, The Charlotte Observer reported.

"While the majority of affected birds are reported to be fledgling common grackles, blue jays, European starlings and American robins, other species of songbirds have been reported as well," the U.S. Geological Survey said. "No definitive cause(s) of illness or death have been determined at this time. No human health or domestic livestock and poultry issues have been reported."

Here's what NC Wildlife Resources Commission says will help reduce the spread of the disease:

• Remove bird feeders entirely until the threat subsides. At this time natural food sources are abundant.
• Clean feeders and bird baths frequently with a 10 percent bleach solution. Rinse with water and allow to dry before refilling.
• Consider native plantings as a healthier, safer alternative to feeders. You can find a list of plants native to your area from the Audubon Society.
• Avoid handling sick or dead birds. If moving a bird is necessary, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to prevent direct contact with it.
• Keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds.

State wildlife officials ask that anyone who finds a dead bird, email a photo along with the date found and location to: hwi@ncwildlife.org.

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