yourdailylocal
HARRISBURG – Nestling and fledgling songbirds — mainly blue jays, starlings, and common grackles, but also robins and cardinals — have been found with ocular and neurologic issues, and in some cases, these birds have been found dead in large numbers.
Cases have been reported from across the mid-Atlantic region, and most recently in Chester County.
What you can do:
- Report occurrences online
- Cease feeding birds and providing water in birdbaths until this wildlife mortality event has concluded to prevent potential spread between birds and to other wildlife
- Clean feeders and birdbaths with a 10 percent 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
- Dispose of dead birds by placing them in a sealable plastic bag and discarding them with household trash. This will prevent disease transmission to other birds and wildlife
Additional information is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
