TWRA Response to Bird Disease Inquiries
The TWRA is working closely with regional experts to further explore the cause and to determine if the disease is affecting birds in Tennessee.
Photo Submitted / The Lexington Progress
Article Submitted-
NASHVILLE — Reports of dead birds have been increasing in Tennessee due to the recent news coverage of a disease affecting birds in several eastern and midwestern states. The disease is reportedly causing eye swelling and crusty discharge from the eyes of birds and may also be associated with neurological symptoms.
A significant number of reports have come from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Most birds reported exhibiting this condition are young and have included common grackles, European starlings, blue jays, and American robins along with other species of songbirds. There are no confirmed cases of the disease in Tennessee and there have been no reports of the disease occurring in humans, poultry, or livestock.
Disease experts are diligently working to determine the cause of the disease and have not found signs of infection from known illnesses (i.e. Salmonella, avian influenza, West Nile virus, Newcastle disease, herpesviruses, poxviruses, and Trichomonas parasites). TWRA is working closely with regional experts to further explore the cause and to determine if the disease is affecting birds in Tennessee. Please contact TWRA Bird Conservation Coordinator David Hanni at David.Hanni@TN.gov with specific questions or need for additional information.
TWRA Recommendations:
• Cease feeding birds and cover bird baths, if dead birds are found, until this wildlife mortality event subsides (food sources are not limited during the summer).
• Clean up excess feed that has spilled or was placed onto the ground.
• Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution (one-part bleach mixed with…
For complete coverage, see the July 28th edition of The Lexington Progress.
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