HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Environmental officials on Friday lifted an advisory for bird-lovers to stop filling their feeders and bird baths to help prevent an affliction that has killed songbirds in the southern and mid-Atlantic states from spreading in Connecticut.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection cited “a considerable decrease in dead birds as of mid-August” and the “increasing dispersal of birds” at this time of year in the state.
DEEP, which previously reported three birds with the condition were found dead in Connecticut, said the cause has not yet been determined. Both the state agency and the Connecticut Audubon Society urged residents to be vigilant about cleaning feeders and bird baths with soap and water at least once a week and then disinfecting them with a 10% bleach solution to prevent potential spread of infectious disease. Feeders and bird baths should be rinsed well after cleaning and allowed to air-dry.
Residents are also urged to remove any spilled feed from underneath their feeders.
Reported symptoms of the mystery illness have included eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as numerous neurological signs such as head tremors, weakened leg muscles, falling to the side or the inability to stand, and excessive vocalizations. DEEP said the majority of birds reported to have the affliction have been fledgling common grackles, blue jays, European starlings and American robins. Other species of songbirds have also been reported.