For Release: Thursday, January 3, 2008

Reovirus Blamed for Crow Die-offs

DEC Investigation Indicates New Strain; Humans Not Thought Susceptible

A strain of avian "reovirus" is responsible for crow die-offs reported in at least six counties across New York in the last week, 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 over the last week, sometimes in large groups. (Exact numbers for the total die-off are not available; estimates are in the hundreds.)

"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 the birds' intestinal system and is spread through bird fecal matter. Winter provides prime conditions for spreading the virus, as crows concentrate in large roosts during the cold weather, Stone 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 U.S. 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 die-off, Stone said.

Residents are advised to report any unusual bird mortalities to DEC Regional offices (http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/255.html#Regional_Offices). Also, residents, if disposing dead birds, should use rubber or plastic gloves, or a double plastic bag used as a glove.

(Note for broadcast reporters: pronunciation: REE-O virus)