Mysterious disease is blinding, killing hundreds of birds in DC area

Birds of the mid-Atlantic are disappearing at an alarming rate, says the U.S. Geological Survey, which is urging residents to refrain from feeding the animals until more is known about a mysterious disease that causes eye swelling, neurological damage and, ultimately, death.

In a recent joint statement by the USGS on behalf of a number of state agencies throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and DC, they warned that birds that congregate in feeders and baths are likely to transmit the illness, which has not yet been identified by wildlife experts. They ask residents to disinfect and remove such ornaments from their homes until the “mortality event” has ended and more is known about how the disease can be treated or prevented. They’re also asking residents to contact their state or district wildlife conservation agency if they spot or come in contact with sick dead birds in the area, especially if they exhibit signs of eye inflammation and discharge, imbalance or seizures. While the illness does not appear to be transmissible to humans or other animal species, extreme hygienic precautions should be taken if handling one of these birds becomes necessary.