Sick Or Dying Bird Reports Down In Virginia, Cause Still Unknown

VIRGINIA — After Virginia and other states began receiving reports of a mysterious illness sickening or killing birds in late May, reports are starting to go down. However, the cause of the birds' illness and deaths remains unknown.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources provided the update on the bird mortality event Wednesday. Reports of the sick or dying birds identified symptoms like eye swelling, crusty discharge and neurological symptoms. The most commonly affected birds are young common grackles, blue jays, European starlings, and American robins, but other songbirds have been reported in lower numbers.

Areas most impacted by the bird mortality event are Alexandria, Arlington County, Clarke County, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Fauquier County, Frederick County, Loudoun County, Manassas, Prince William County, Shenandoah County, Warren County, and Winchester. From May 23 to June 30, the most reports have occurred in Fairfax and Arlington Counties, according to a map of reports.

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, reports of sick or dying birds to the agency's online form are down by 50 percent since early June. The agency continues to take reports via its online form.

The agency continues to work with various wildlife health labs to identify the cause of illness or death. Experts are using all possible methods of diagnosing the illness. There have not been any concerns to human health, domestic livestock or poultry identified.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources continues to recommend residents in affected areas stop feeding birds until the mortality event has ended. The agency noted in a statement that birds congregating at bird feeders and bird baths can transmit diseases to other birds.

Here are some tips for residents:

• Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution (one part bleach mixed with nine parts water), rinse with water and allow to air dry. If you find multiple dead birds in your yard in a short time, clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution.
• It is recommended that residents disinfect bird feeders and baths every two weeks for the general health of wild birds.
• Avoid handling birds unless necessary, or wear disposable gloves when handling. No human health issues have been reported with the mysterious bird illness, but caution is urged. If you pick up a dead bird, place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact, seal the bag and put it in household trash.
• Keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds.

Sick or dying birds can be reported to the Department of Wildlife Resources here.