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MassWildlife Asks Residents to Report Dead Bird Sightings

By TWIW Staff | July 22, 2021
Last Updated: July 22, 2021

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife [MassWildlife] asks Massachusetts residents to report any sightings of dead birds in the state as a precautionary measure, when the cause of death isn’t apparent.

MassWildlife provides an online form to report sightings.

Dead birds found in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky in late May and more recently in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana have prompted the precautionary measures.

Birds in those states, some sick and dying, were located with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs, due to an unknown illness.

MassWildlife and Mass Audubon also ask residents to remove bird feeders and baths from properties as a precautionary measure. Masswildlife provides some tips to attract birds to your yard naturally throughout the year using native plants.

Birds congregating at bird feeders and bird baths can transmit diseases to one another. MassWildlife, as well as other affected states, recommend taking the following precautions:

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife [MassWildlife] asks Massachusetts residents to report any sightings of dead birds in the state as a precautionary measure, when the cause of death isn’t apparent.

MassWildlife provides an online form to report sightings.

Dead birds found in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky in late May, and more recently in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana have prompted the precautionary measures.

Birds in those states, some sick and dying, were located with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs, due to an unknown illness.

MassWildlife and Mass Audubon also ask residents to remove bird feeders and baths from properties as a precautionary measure. See tips to attract birds to your yard naturally throughout the year using native plants.

Birds congregating at bird feeders and bird baths can transmit diseases to one another. MassWildlife, as well as other affected states, recommend taking the following precautions:

  • Cease feeding birds until this wildlife morbidity/mortality event subsides.
  • Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach mixed with nine parts water), rinse with water, and allow to air-dry.
  • Avoid handling birds unless necessary. If you do handle them, wear disposable gloves and wash hands afterwards.
  • If picking up a dead bird, place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact with the bird. To dispose of dead birds, place them in a plastic bag, seal, and discard with household trash or alternatively bury them deeply.
  • Keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds as a standard precaution.

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