Birds are dying in Ohio, and so far, nobody knows why, State Wildlife Officer Austin Levering said.
“Lately, there has been a large scare on a mysterious illness affecting Ohio birds. There have been several reports of ill or dying birds found around Ohio and in nearby states,” Levering, who is assigned to Knox County, told the Mount Vernon News.
The birds have swollen eyes, discharge from their eyes or a lack of clarity to the eyes. They may also exhibit neurological signs. Their heads may hang to the side or flop to the other side, he said.
The illness appears to affect multiple species. In Ohio, the primary species are blue jays, grackles, house sparrows, European starlings and American robins, Levering said.
The cause of the illness was unknown. It has been causing a lot of bird deaths.
The state asks the public to report sick or dying birds. This can be done on the WildOhio.gov website, he said.
“If you have a dead bird, we definitely want to get that in, get it analyzed. If you come into contact with a bird that exhibits these symptoms, get in contact with me or your nearest wildlife rehabilitator,” Levering said.
He can be reached at 614-400-0731.
Anyone who handles a sick bird should use disposable gloves.
Levering said residents are being asked to take down bird feeders and bird baths, empty them and clean them with a 10% household bleach solution. The U.S. Geological Service said birds gathering together at bird baths and feeders can transmit diseases to each other.
“I know a lot of people are struggling with this. Knox County has a very large birding community,” he said.
He said a temporary lapse in bird feeders as a food source shouldn’t set the birds back too much. Plants produce nectar, seeds and fruit, which attracts insects. All are food sources for birds, making this a time of abundance of natural food.
