MA Warns Of Mystery Disease Killing Birds In Eastern States

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Reports of common songbirds dying of a yet-unidentified disease have prompted Massachusetts wildlife officials to ask residents to put away bird baths and bird feeders.

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 MassWildlife. The state is asking residents to report sightings of sick or dead birds, unless there's evidence the animal has been killed by a car, cat or other common hazard.

Some signs of the disease include eye crust and neurological symptoms. The disease was first seen in May in the states between Kentucky and Maryland, but no cases have been confirmed yet in Massachusetts. Biologists in other states have ruled out common ailments like salmonella, West Nile and avian influenza.

Because the source of the disease is still unknown, MassWildlife says removing bird feeders and bird baths could cut down on disease transmission.

"Birds congregating at bird feeders and bird baths can transmit diseases to one another," MassWildlife said in a Thursday bulletin.

The state is also warning residents to keep pets away from dead birds, and never to handle dead birds without proper precautions, like wearing gloves.

To report a sick or dying bird, email mass.wildlife@mass.gov.