A mysterious sickness began killing thousands of wild birds across several Eastern states starting at around late May.
Wildlife managers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) aren’t sure what is causing the mass die-off.
Many of the birds have had swollen, crusty eyeballs and wobbly movements that might suggest neurological problems.
Federal agencies and scientists ask residents in the affected areas to take down their birdbaths and feeders to reduce places where birds would otherwise congregate and possibly, spread the disease to each other.
Fortunately, there has been no indication that whatever is killing the birds can be transmitted to animals or humans.
The USGS urges people not to handle sick birds and to contact their local wildlife conservation agency instead.
If the need to handle the animals is necessary, they suggested wearing rubber gloves and disposing of the dead birds inside sealed plastic bags before disposing of them in the garbage bin.
Federal and State laboratories are in the process of testing the remains of infected birds in hopes of finding the root cause and hopefully finding a cure.
As for now, the agencies are urging the public to observe and report dead or sick birds.
