Mysterious disease killing birds in Ohio, public asked to remove feeders
Ohio - A mysterious disease in birds wildlife experts said they have not seen before, is here in Ohio. The illness is killing birds within a day and officials ask people to take caution.
The unknown disease is causing death in birds in mostly Central Ohio and some other surrounding states, but the Ohio Wildlife Center said they have seen a small number of birds with the disease in Northeast Ohio, too.
Wildlife experts said they're seeing the disease in mostly songbirds, such as blue jays and robins among others.
"The presenter is usually finding them on the ground... their eyes are crusty or like caked together," Ohio Wildlife Center Interim Executive Director Stormy Gibson said, "Sometimes their eyes look clear and they have neurological symptoms which means they might have a head tilt."
The disease is also causing blindness in birds. The Ohio Wildlife Center and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is asking the public to take down their outdoor bird feeders for the next week or two.
"The reason that is is number one, we want to try to stop birds from congregating together, whether we know that works or not... we dont know," Gibson said, "But we're trying to help save our population of birds."
Gibson also said people should clean out their bird feeders and baths as well, properly dispose of a bird if someone finds one and report the finding online at WildOhio.gov.
"If the animal is already diseased, the Division of Wildlife is recommending to double bag it, wear gloves and a form of protection, and put it in the trash," Gibson said.
ODNR Division of Wildlife Communications Specialist Jamey Emmert said they're conducting tests on the birds and working with wildlife experts on a national level, but right now there are more questions than answers.
The Ohio Wildlife Center said they believe the disease will likely continue to spread in birds throughout the state.
"Birdwatchers are seeing this, local backyard folks are seeing it, and we're seeing it in both urban areas and suburban areas and even our rural areas," Gibson said."
Gibson said they're unsure whether the disease could harm humans or pets, so they suggest keeping pets away and not touching a bird without proper protective gear.
If you find a bird with this disease that may be alive, you're asked to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator at OWRA.org. The Ohio Wildlife Center said they suspect more information on the disease will come next week.
