Sick songbirds raising concerns in population

The Wisconsin DNR is actively following incidents of bird mortalities first reported in the eastern United States, in late May. At that time, wildlife managers in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky, got reports of sick and dying birds, with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs.

The illness affecting birds in the eastern U.S., has not yet been identified and it has not been linked to bird mortalities in Wisconsin. Out of precaution, the DNR asks the public to report sick or dead birds with clinical signs, and to follow best practices for bird feeder and bird bath hygiene.

The department continually monitors reports of sick and dead wildlife, and has received a few scattered reports of birds in Wisconsin, with swollen, crusty eyes. These reports may be associated with several causes and may not be associated with the illness reported in eastern states.

Symptoms of concern include crusty or swollen eyes, as well as seizures and lack of coordination. If someone observes a songbird with any of these symptoms, report it to the local conservation biologist or wildlife biologist.

“Sometimes, we may ask to collect these birds for testing,” said DNR wildlife veterinarian Lindsey Long.

Juvenile or fledgling blue jays, common grackles, European starlings and American robins, have predominately been associated with the eastern U.S. event.

Anyone who observes sick or dead birds, at their bird feeders or bird baths, should remove their feeders. If there have not been sick or dead birds, at feeders or baths, take care to clean and disinfect them regularly, with soap and water, followed by a rinse in 10 percent bleach solution.

It is always good practice to wear gloves while working with, and around, bird feeders. Pets should be kept away from the area below the feeders, and away from any sick or dead birds.