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‘Mystery disease’ has MassWildlife warning against use of bird feeders

BOSTON — Do you have a bird feeder in your yard? A mysterious illness impacting birds has MassWildlife urging the public to stop using bird feeders.

Recently in parts of the country, officials began hearing of sick and dying birds suffering from eye swelling, crusty discharge, and neurological signs.

Officials haven’t yet determined the cause of illness or death.

According to MassWildlife, “while the majority of affected birds are reported to be fledgling common grackles, blue jays, European starlings, and American robins, other species of songbirds have been reported as well.”

Officials say there is typically an increase in reports of dead birds this time of year “due to natural high mortality rates of young birds.” However, they are encouraging people to report any sick or dead birds.

Wildlife officials say the “mystery disease” is not known to be in New England, but as a precaution, officials are recommending residents stop using bird feeders and birdbaths and take the following precautions:

  • Cease feeding birds until this wildlife morbidity/mortality event subsides.
  • Clean feeders and birdbaths with a 10% bleach solution (one-part bleach mixed with nine parts water), rinse with water and allow to air-dry.
  • Avoid handling birds unless necessary. If you do handle them, wear disposable gloves and wash hands afterward.
  • If picking up a dead bird, place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact with the bird. To dispose of dead birds, place them in a plastic bag, seal, and discard with household trash or alternatively bury them deeply.
  • Keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds as a standard precaution.

“We’re trying to eliminate where birds congregate,” said Joan Walsh of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. “They don’t know yet—is it viral? Is it fungal? They don’t know. But the first thing you do is eliminate congregations. That will buy us time if it is on its way.”

Please email reports to mass.wildlife@mass.gov and include your location, number and species of birds, symptoms observed, and any photos.


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