Mysterious disease killing birds in Ohio

With an unknown disease affecting birds in Ohio and at least five other states, residents are encouraged to take down bird feeders and report any sick or dead birds they encounter so that scientists can better understand what is going on. "Unfortunately, we really don't know what it is yet," said Meredith Gilbert, wildlife communications specialist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, of the mysterious ailment affecting birds. Birds that are affected "often have swollen eyes, discharge from their eyes that may appear crusted, or a lack of clarity to the eyes," states an Ohio State University webpage on the disease. "Affected birds may also exhibit neurological signs, for example their head may hang to one side then flop to the other side." Gilbert said it's mostly in central and southwestern Ohio that sick or dead birds have been reported. However, the Division of Wildlife is recommending that people across the state take steps to prevent the disease's spread. This includes taking down bird feeders so birds can't gather in groups and spread disease to one another. Gilbert also recommended cleaning bird feeders with a solution containing 10% bleach. She said people who do choose to keep their bird feeders or birdbaths up should clean them very frequently. The city of Findlay, in a social media post, also urged people to take down bird feeders and to empty birdbaths for seven to 10 days and sanitize them thoroughly. There are no reports of animals other than birds being affected by the illness, the OSU webpage states. But there are other bird pathogens that can make people sick. "Remember, even when there isn't an outbreak, it's still important to regularly clean your bird feeders and baths to reduce the spread of other diseases that may spread among songbirds," the webpage states. The OSU webpage also addresses concerns that birds could go hungry or thirsty with birdbaths or bird feeders being taken down. "Birds are hardy and resourceful. … Summer is when plants are producing nectar, seeds, fruits, and attracting insects, all of which serve as food for birds. There is often an abundance of natural foods for birds this time of year," the webpage states. "Remember also that birds have the ability of flight, allowing them to travel further distances if needed to find food and water. Right now, it's important to keep the safety of the birds a priority and take a break from feeders and baths until more is known about this outbreak." Gilbert said the disease has been reported in blue jays, grackles, starlings, American robins and house sparrows. But that "might not tell the whole story," because those are among the most commonly seen species, so the fact that those are the sick birds people are noticing doesn't necessarily mean they're the only species that are getting sick. Gilbert encouraged anyone who sees a sick bird to contact their nearest wildlife rehabilitator. These agencies will usually euthanize the bird, and then it can be tested. Gilbert said her agency is "welcoming" reports of dead birds, because it is trying to get a sense of how prevalent the disease is. The Division of Wildlife is accepting reports of dead birds through its online reporting system at https://apps.ohiodnr.gov/wildlife/speciessighting/. Choose "Bird — Diseased/Dead'' in the "Species" drop-down menu. The OSU webpage notes that the United States Geological Survey recommends disposing of dead birds in a sealable plastic bag with household trash. "Do not touch the birds with bare skin," the city of Findlay post cautions. Arthurs: 419-427-8494