Since May, wildlife agencies in more than 10 states, including New Jersey, have responded to multiple reports of sick and dying songbirds. The symptoms of these songbirds include swollen eyes, squinting, Eyes with crusty secretions, as well as neurological symptoms such as flight instability and tripping, are often followed through death.

Dr. Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian of the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife, said that young birds, including chicks and young birds, as well as the main species of bluebirds, cardinals, finches, starlings and robins, are in New Jersey. The most affected.

In order to figure out what killed these birds, Lewis said that a large number of tests have been carried out in a multi-state effort, and samples were sent to larger state and federal diagnostic laboratories for advanced testing because of all their test results. All are negative.

Lewis said that they tested many mosquito-borne diseases and insecticides such as Salmonella, microplasma, avian influenza, West Nile, etc. The state has tested everything that could lead to these mysterious diseases and deaths, but no results.

Currently, whole-genome sequencing tests are still being carried out. There are also tests on the 17-year-old cicadas underway to see if they might have played a role. But Lewis said the disease is still a mystery.

However, the death and disease in New Jersey seems to be coming to an end.

Lewis said this may be because the young birds have grown up, so they can better resist the disease, or it may just end up in the population.

Since May, the state has received about 200 calls about sick and dying birds. But some voices do not match the species. She added that they are adults, not young people, and therefore do not meet the standards.

"Fortunately, this seems to be coming to an end, at least this season. It's hard to say what the future holds," Lewis said.

When illness and death prevailed in the state, Lewis advised all New Jersey residents to remove their bird feeders and bathrooms from their yards. But now she says she can continue to put them back.

However, it is important to thoroughly clean the feeder with a 10% bleach solution at least once a week. Clean the feeders, let them air dry, and then put them back.

"Birds really gather on these feeders. You have to make sure they are clean and tidy, because we do see that many common diseases, such as salmonella and microplasma, are often spread by dirty feeders," Lewis said.

If a New Jersey resident finds a sick but alive bird on their property, Lewis suggests either contacting the local animal control department for the bird to receive further care, or going to the local wildlife rehabilitation agency.

If the bird dies on someone’s property, Lewis asks people to email her at nicole.lewis@dep.nj.gov with photos and information, including the type of bird, age, and found in the property The condition of the birds.

When disposing of dead birds, they should be packed in double bags and placed in ordinary trash cans. Avoid contact with wild birds. If you need to handle birds, please wear disposable gloves.

The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife website provides a map that shows where reports of sick and dying birds come from to understand the possible severe impacts in their area.

Lewis said that although the report comes from the whole state, there are a large number of reports in the Princeton-Ewing area, which suggests that she may be related to cicadas because there are a large number of cicadas in the area. time.

However, none of this has been confirmed.