OHIO - Birds in Ohio are suffering from a mysterious illness that is causing severe disease and even death, the Preservation Parks of Delaware County announced last week. "Signs of a mysterious illness that is causing crusted-over eyes, blindness, neurological issues, and even death is starting to show up in local birds," the Preservation Parks wrote on social media on June 15. "Larger birds such as blue jays, starlings, robins, and grackles seem to be most noticeably affected, but other birds may be affected as well," the park continued.Until the cause is determined, officials have removed bird feeders from their parks to avoid any possible spread if the issue does happen to be caused by individual contact with other birds.American robin.