What to do about this "Mystery Illness?"

Blue Jay photo by Eric Bégin FCC

Blue Jay photo by Eric Bégin FCC

As of August 5, 2021: Read our updated recommendations here.

You may have heard by now that a mysterious illness is afflicting and killing common feeder birds along the Atlantic Coast, Northeast and Midwest of the United States. Birds typically show eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs (such as seizures or lack of coordination). The majority of affected birds are reported to be fledgling common grackles, blue jays, European starlings, and American robins, but other species of songbirds have been reported as well.

While scientists do not yet know what is causing it, we do know that birds congregating at bird feeders and bird baths can transmit diseases to one another.

The Wisconsin DNR has released their recommendations for feeders and bird baths that involve daily cleaning. However, in summer when there is a buffet of wild food sources available as a primary food source for birds, removing feeders is a good preventative practice. Out of abundance of caution for our birds, Madison Audubon is asking people to be more cautious and follow these recommendations (based on those of the National Wildlife Health Center):

  • Take down all bird feeders until this wildlife disease subsides. This includes all feeder types, including hummingbird, suet, and others. Once more is known about the illness, we will update our recommendations.

  • 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. Do not rehang feeders, even when empty.

  • Use your best discretion on whether to provide a bird bath. Summer weather is hot and birds need water, but baths are also a gathering location. If you keep your bird bath out, clean it daily with a 10% bleach solution, air dry, and refill with clean, fresh water.

Will removing all the feeders harm birds? Fortunately, because summer is flush with insects, flowers, seeds, and more, birds have lots and lots of natural food to eat. So bird feeders are now simply a supplementary food source. It's great to feed birds, and we enjoy seeing them, but this time of year birds manage quite well on their own without feeder food.

How long do I need to keep my feeders down? Unfortunately, there is simply no guidance available on this at this time. So we don’t yet have a timeline for when feeders can be safely put back up. We will share that information as soon as it becomes available, and update our recommendations accordingly.

What if I find a sick or dead bird? As of today’s date, there haven't yet been reported cases in Wisconsin, and we're hoping that we can work together to keep it that way.

  • If you find a sick or dead bird that has characteristic symptoms of the mystery illness, report it to your local DNR conservation biologist or wildlife biologist.

  • Avoid handling any sick birds unless necessary. If you must handle a sick bird, please wear disposable gloves. If picking up a dead bird, place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact with the bird. The NWHC website linked above also has recommendations on how to dispose of a dead bird safely.

  • Keep pets and people away from sick or dead wild birds as a standard precaution.

Again, once the causes for the illness are better understood, we will provide updated suggestions on how to best care for birds.

Thank you for your concern for OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS!