Crow recently observed at Dungeness Landing, one of at least 3 in a flock. Photo by Cindy Fullwiler.

At Dungeness Landing recently, Cindy Fullwiler observed at least three crows with what appears to be the avian pox virus. Signs of avian pox include warty lesions on the head, legs, and feet.

Cindy contacted Discovery Bay Wild Birds Rescue center. They responded with a confirmation on avian pox virus.

"Yes, that is an avian pox virus, and it unfortunately has to run its course. Some of the birds will become overrun with lesions on their face and feet and it will end up killing them. It usually stays within the species so it will be most contagious to other crows."

From OPAS President Ken Wiersema, "If this is the avian pox virus, as suspected, it might be a passed onto Crows because as carrion eaters, they had picked up the virus from eating smaller dead songbirds infected with the virus. It has been spreading from close contact of feeding birds on unclean or infected feeders. Keeping feeders clean and putting out only the food that will be consumed during one day, are important acts to practice. Also consider monitoring under your feeders for dead birds, and carefully putting them into plastic bags and placing them in garbage, rather than drawing rodents and carrion eaters to your yard. Do your part to keep birds safe."

Please be observant of birds coming to your feeders! If you see signs of the disease, consider NOT feeding.

To clean your feeders:

Immerse your seed feeder or birdbath in a nine to one water-bleach solution, rinse thoroughly, one to two times per month. In the presence of outbreaks, disinfect twice as often.

Empty water from your birdbath daily: Brush or wipe it clean and rinse, then refill.
Discard old seed and hulls: When you clean your feeder, get rid of the old seed. Rake or sweep up any uneaten hulls on the ground.
Avoid overcrowding: If possible, provide more than one feeder and spread them out. Crowding expedites the spread of disease, so give the birds variety and plenty of room.