Unknown sickness affecting Northeastern songbirds

Wildlife managers in the northeast began receiving reports of sick birds as early as May. Dead and dying birds were exhibiting symptoms that included eye swelling, crusty discharge and some neurological signs, as well.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reports that an exact cause for the bird deaths has not been identified and diagnostics are ongoing.

However, the commission has ruled out some potential causes, including salmonella and West Nile virus, for example.

While the investigation into the bird deaths continues, residents are asked to stop feeding birds from backyard feeders and to empty bird baths since birds can pass disease to one another from these gathering spots.

Margaret C. Brittingham, Ph.D., is a professor of wildlife resources at Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences and she appears on Smart Talk Monday to offer guidance for backyard birders.

To report report any sightings of birds that have died and/or birds that have been seen with swollen and crusty eyes, as well as neurological signs such as stumbling and head tremors, visit