The call to take down bird feeders and birdbaths while scientists figure out what is causing a mysterious and deadly disease among songbirds met strong and angry public opposition, writes Marcus Schneck for the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported the disease affected songbirds in 27 counties, though the mortality rate is subsiding. Cause of the disease is still not known.

However the reaction to these recommendations is similar to that directed at some government agencies and scientists trying to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Some members of the bird-feeding community are echoing the demands for personal freedom, while others are disagreeing with biologists and wildlife disease experts who are investigating the so-far unfamiliar disease.

“Sounds like the 15 days to slow the spread hogwash,” wrote one member of a major Pennsylvania birding group on Facebook.

“The least these birds could do is social distance themselves and wear masks,” responded another.

Others are trying to find loopholes in the advice given by wildlife agencies and scientists.

“So, birds are only eating from bird feeders and drinking from birdbaths?” wrote a group member. “That’s a ridiculous idea and pulling mine out will stop nothing.”

Read more about the response in the Harrisburg Patriot-News.