Sick, Dying Bird Reports Increase In Vienna: Police

VIENNA, VA — The mysterious illness sickening or killing wild birds has not evaded Vienna. Vienna Police are warning residents about sick or dying birds and urges them to take precautions.

Wildlife managers in Virginia and other nearby states began receiving reports in late May about sick and dying birds with symptoms like eye swelling, crusty discharge and neurological signs. The cause of death for this mysterious illness has not yet been identified. There have not been any concerns to human health, domestic livestock or poultry identified.

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, areas impacted by the bird mortality event include Alexandria, Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Manassas, Prince William, Shenandoah, Warren, and Winchester. The state agency received over 1,400 sick or dying bird reports between May 23 and June 30.

Some of the reports have been seen in Vienna.

"We’ve seen an uptick in reports of sick and dying birds in Vienna since the end of May,” said Vienna animal control officer John Barker in a statement released last week. "Until wildlife biologists can determine what is causing the birds to get sick, we’re appealing to the public to take action to help reduce the risk to wildlife in the region."

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and agencies in other states have recommended that residents 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.

Other tips recommended by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources include:

• 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.
• 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 and dying bird reports were initially found in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky in late May. Other states have received reports since then, including Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources noted the most commonly affected birds are fledgling common grackles, blue jays, European starlings, and American robins, but there have been reports of other songbirds as well.

Sick or dead birds should be reported to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources through the bird mortality reporting form.

The state agency will notify residents when the mortality event has ended and bird feeding can resume.