The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating a disease that has been affecting birds in Kentucky and other nearby states.
In late May, the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources began receiving reports of sick and dying birds with symptoms of eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as signs of neurological problems.
As of June 17, unexplained bird deaths have been recorded in several Kentucky counties. Blue Jays, Common Grackles and European Starlings have been the most common species reported.
Kentucky Fish & Wildlife and other states’ wildlife agencies are working with diagnostic laboratories to investigate the cause(s) of mortality. The department has shipped numerous affected bird specimens to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia for pending diagnostics.
Birds congregating at feeders and baths can transmit diseases to one another. Kentucky Fish & Wildlife recommends:
1) the public in Jefferson County, Boone County and Kenton County to stop feeding birds until further notice, and
2) everyone in Kentucky clean their bird feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution immediately and then once per week thereafter.
If you must handle dead birds (for example to keep them away from pets) please practice good hygiene: Wear gloves or use a plastic bag to pick up the birds, deposit them into a secured trash can, and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Fish and Wildlife has set up a web form to report sick or dead birds if anyone has encountered birds exhibiting similar symptoms. The web form can be accessed here.
