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From the February 2008 issue
Reovirus Blamed for Crow Die-offs
A strain of avian "reovirus" (pronounced: REE-O virus) is responsible for crow die-offs reported in at least six counties across New York in late December, according to a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) investigation. Dead crows were reported in Albany, Dutchess, Jefferson, Montgomery, Orange and Steuben counties during that period, sometimes in large groups (exact numbers for the total die-off are not available; estimates are in the hundreds).
Crows roost in large groups during the winter, enabling the virus to spread more quickly
Winter Roosting Spreads Viruses
"Postmortem tests show that the birds were killed by a form of reovirus," said DEC Wildlife Pathologist Ward Stone. The particular strain of this illness attacks a bird's intestinal system and is spread through its fecal matter. "Winter provides prime conditions for spreading the virus, as crows concentrate in large roosts during the cold weather," he added.
Stone stressed that the incidents were not a result of West Nile virus. "While the samples will also be tested by the NYS Health Department, this strain of reovirus is not likely to be contracted by humans," he said. Over the last decade, the National Wildlife Health Center has reported several strains of reovirus in various birds, especially the American woodcock. Officials in Ontario, Canada, also have noted its appearance there. "In the last few years, a small number of crows in New York were felled by a strain of the virus, but this winter marks the largest of those die-offs," Stone said.
Please Report Dead Birds
People are advised to report any unusual bird mortalities to DEC Regional offices. Also, if disposing of dead birds, people should use rubber or plastic gloves, or a double plastic bag used as a glove.
Related Links:
National Wildlife Health Center (leaving DEC's website)
