Mysterious illness plagues Ohio birds; experts warn to take down birdbaths and bird feeders for now

Wildlife experts are asking people to report observations of sick or dead birds who may be experiencing an unidentified illness that has been found across Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

Symptoms of the illness can include eye swelling and crusty discharge, neurological signs, and in some cases, sunken-in eyes, said Laura Kearns, a wildlife biologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife. 

It has been found in Blue Jays, Common Grackles and European starlings, American Robins and potentially House Sparrows. Specimens have been submitted to the National Wildlife Health Center, Kearns said, who are still working to find conclusive information. 

She said "hundreds" of birds have been affected in the state, mainly in central and southwest Ohio. 

Similar symptoms in birds have also been found in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia, according to the NWHC.

While the cause of the illness is undetermined, Kearns said experts have not ruled out cicadas as a potential cause. 

"At this point in time, anything is a possibility," Kearns said. "We're looking into that. We know there's a fungus that affects some cicadas, and it could be related to that."

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The best way people can help, she said, is to report any suspected cases of sick or dead birds to their nearest wildlife rehabilitation center and theDivision of Wildlife.

The NWHC is encouraging residents to: 

• Cease feeding birds until this wildlife mortality event has concluded.
• Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution.
• Avoid handling birds, but wear disposable gloves if handling is necessary.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead birds as a standard precaution.

Last week, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources wrote on Facebook it was receiving reports of similar symptoms, asking residents to report any sick or dead birds on its website. 

More:Kentucky officials need your help to record unexplained bird deaths

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