ODNR asking Ohioans to take down, clean birdfeeders as they investigate mysterious illness in songbirds

Ohio wildlife officials are investigating a mysterious illness that is leaving songbirds sick or dead.

Primary species affected by the unknown illness include blue jays, common grackles, European starlings, American robins and house sparrows.

Wildlife officials are advising people to take down and clean their feeders and bird baths with 10% bleach solution, particularly if they are seeing sick or dead birds in their area—a practice officials say should be done routinely anyways to keep birds healthy in general.

Birds infected with the unknown illness have all exhibited similar symptoms, such as crusty and infected eyes and neurological distress, like the inability to hold their heads up or fly.

In addition to Ohio, the following states have reported similar activity: Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Indiana, West Virginia and Washington D.C.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is asking concerned residents to report dead birds or those exhibiting symptoms online at wildohio.gov because currently the 1-800-WILDLIFE hotline is overwhelmed with calls about sick and dead birds.

Sicks birds can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. Click here to find a center near you.