Scientists seeking answers in mysterious bird deaths in South and Midwest, ask public to clean bird feeders

Sick blue jay (Ky. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources)

"Hundreds of birds are dying without explanation in parts of the South and Midwest. Wildlife experts in at least six states and Washington, D.C., have reported an increase in sick or dying birds in the past month. The most commonly afflicted birds are blue jays, common grackles and European starlings," Deon Hampton reports for CBS News. "Symptoms include crusty or puffy eyes, neurological signs of seizures and an inability to stay balanced. Experts said the birds have been behaving as if they are blind and exhibit other abnormalities, such as not flying away when people get close."

Wildlife officials in Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia are working together to figure out what's going on. "Some theories about what's causing the birds to become sick and die include a widespread infectious disease, the cicada outbreak and pesticides," Hampton reports. 

In the meantime, "wildlife experts are asking the public to report any suspicious bird deaths. They also urge bird lovers to remove their bird feeders since birds often exchange germs," Hampton reports. "Bird feeders and baths should also be cleaned immediately with a 10 percent bleach solution, and people should avoid handling birds, officials said."