Unidentified Sickness Blinding, Killing Birds In Ohio

POWELL, OHIO — An unidentified illness is blinding certain Ohio birds, rendering them unable to fly.

The Ohio Wildlife Center in central Ohio said it is caring for several birds that have been blinded by a strange illness. Symptoms include white crust around the eyes and damage to the bird's nervous system, according to Fox 8.

The illness does not appear to be impacting hawks or ducks, but is attacking crows and mourning doves. Whatever the disease is, it is not active only in Ohio. Similarly, ill birds have been identified in West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Indiana.

If residents encounter the birds, they should:

• Wear gloves while rescuing it and bring the bird to the Ohio Wildlife Center hospital, if in the area.
• Take down bird feeders and stop feeding birds for at least one week.
• Clean bird feeders and bird baths.
• Monitor your area for ill birds, particularly those with white crust around their eyes.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said it has been contacted about the illness and there appears to be no treatment for afflicted birds, WBNS reported. One location saw as many as 12 dead birds at once, all showing signs of the same disease.

Ohioans can call 800-WILDLIFE to report any birds that have died or are ill with the above-listed symptoms. Ohioans should keep their children and pets away from the birds for the time being.