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No Confirmed Cases Of Mystery Bird Illness In Connecticut

Image of a blue jay with an eye crusted shut, affected by the new illness affecting some birds in the Eastern US.
Kelly Chandler
A blue jay affected by the new illness affecting some birds in the Eastern US.

Birds in the Eastern United States have been dying while suffering unusual symptoms recently.

Those symptoms include swollen, crusty eyes, head bobbing, and being unable to stand up.

Speaking on Connecticut Public Radio’s Where We Live, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Biologist Brian Hess says there are usually some bird deaths in the wild this time of year.

Hess says some people may be noticing dead birds for the first time because of the attention drawn to the mysterious bird deaths.

"We don't have any confirmed cases [in Connecticut] at this point, Hess said. "But we have heard of some reports from the public that at least in part do seem to fit some of the patterns."

As a precaution, Hess says people should take down bird feeders.

The birds can come into contact with each other at feeders.

Hess said feeders can contribute to the spread of other diseases if they are not properly cleaned.

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Matt Dwyer is an editor, reporter and midday host for Connecticut Public's news department. He produces local news during All Things Considered.

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