Cody Mello-Klein | cmelloklein@alextimes.com

Due to a mysterious illness that has resulted in sick and dying birds across the DMV, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has urged residents to stop feeding birds.

DWR and various wildlife centers believe the disease may be transmitted at bird feeders and bird baths, so the agency also warns residents to clean their feeders and baths with a 10% bleach solution. Pets should also be kept away from birds that are sick or dying, according to DWR.

The illness has common symptoms: swollen eyes, crusty eye discharge and neurological signs, including unusual head bobbing and difficulty with balance, according to DWR. There is no evidence that the disease can be transferred to humans, but DWR discourages members of the public from handling sick or dying birds.

Dead birds can be reported to VDWR at https://dwr.virginia.gov.