Mysterious Deaths of Songbirds in Pennsylvania

Mysterious Deaths of Songbirds in Pennsylvania

               Patton Veterinary Hospital has been getting some questions about the mysterious deaths of wild birds in recent news.  Songbirds, especially robins, starlings, blue jays, grackles and cardinals seem most commonly affected.  Birds initially began dying in May in Washington DC, Maryland and Kentucky but cases have been spreading north into Pennsylvania, Ohio and other states.  A few have been found in York County.

               Affected birds display symptoms of crusting around the eyes, blindness, and neurological signs such as inability to stand, wobbling, and head shaking.  The cause of this illness is not yet known, but scientists are working to determine why the birds are dying. Many diseases have been ruled out including Salmonella, avian influenza virus, West Nile virus, Newcastle disease, herpesviruses and poxviruses and Trichomonas parasites. There was some speculation that the Brood X cicadas might be responsible as possible carriers of toxins or fungal infections but there is no strong evidence at this time that cicadas are the cause.

               Until a cause is found, use caution if you find any dead birds.  If you must move a dead bird, wear gloves, double bag the bird in sealed bags and dispose of it in the trash. You can also report any suspicious birds here: http://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-laboratories/research-initiatives/wildlife-futures-program/our-research/diseased-songbird-reporting-form

               Do not allow pets to come in contact with sick or dead birds as it is not currently known if the illness poses a risk to domestic animals.  Keep a close eye on your flock if you own chickens and report any ill chickens (more info here: https://extension.psu.edu/poultry-diseases-where-to-get-help). 

             The PA Game and Wildlife Commission is also recommending removing bird feeders and bird baths and cleaning them with a 10% bleach solution to limit birds congregating together and hopefully reduce transmission.

               Again, there are no reports of cats or dogs being affected, but use caution and do not allow pets to come in contact with dead birds until more is known about the cause of this illness.

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

               https://www.vet.upenn.edu/about/news-room/news-stories/news-story-detail/the-search-for-the-culprit-behind-songbird-deaths

https://news.psu.edu/story/663226/2021/07/07/be-alert-sick-songbirds