Many Birds Die From Mysterious Diseases, Bird Fans Should Be Alert

Songbirds, many have died of a mysterious disease in the US. (photo: Joshua J. Cotten/unsplash)

JAKARTA - A mysterious infection or mysterious disease that blinds and kills songbirds is spreading across the US. In fact, now thousands of cases have been recorded in nine states. Breeders, breeders and bird lovers should be wary.

The disease, which causes swelling and hardening of the skin above the eyes, and a neurological disorder was first reported in the Washington DC area in early May. Similar cases appeared in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Cases have also spread in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and as far west as Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), states, many birds have swollen and crusty eyeballs, and accompanied by unsteady movements that indicate a neurological problem.

The cause of the disease is still unknown. But officials have ruled out some of the disease to be the cause. For example bird flu, West Nile virus, salmonella, chlamydia, Newcastle disease, herpes and the Trichomonas parasite, among other pathogens. They also confirmed the disease was not linked to health problems in humans, livestock or other birds.

The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that most birds with this disorder are in good physical condition, possibly even being fed by their mothers.

A mysterious dead bird is being handled by USGS in the US. (photo: USGS)

Initially, the USGS indicated the disease was limited to grackles and blue jays, two species commonly found in the mid-Atlantic region.

The USGS updated its report last week to add European starlings, American robins, northern cardinals, sparrows, brown-headed cowbirds and other songbirds to the list of those affected.

Wildlife experts in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia first received reports of infection as early as May 2021. This is associated with at least 325 cases of sick or dead birds.

"It seems pretty broad, and it's also extended for a pretty good period of time," Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources veterinarian Megan Kirchgessner told The Washington Post in May. "And it continues."

Between May 23 and June 30, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources received 1,400 reports of sick or dying birds. WWBT reports that about a third of dying birds are described as having eye problems and/or neurological signs.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has also received more than 250 reports of sick or dying birds associated with the unexplained disease since its online portal went live on June 17.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has cited nearly 300 cases in 53 counties since late May, with many in northeastern Allen and Kosciusko counties.

Environmental agencies, the National Park Service and the USGS are conducting ongoing investigations across the affected states.

Birds Must Keep Their Distance

They warn that birds congregating in baths and feeding grounds can transmit disease and have called on the public to remove them until this potential outbreak is over.

"The reason is because we want birds to be able to socially distance themselves naturally," said Allisyn Gillet, an ornithologist in Indiana's Department of Natural Resources. "But they don't have the knowledge that it's not good for them when a disease is spreading."

Community members are advised not to handle poultry, especially sick or dead ones. However, if handling is required, they should wear disposable gloves and put the dead birds in a resealable plastic bag in the trash.

Anyone who encounters a sick or dead bird is encouraged to contact the local wildlife conservation agency or submit a report on the United States Geological Survey's death event form.