Karen asked whether House Finch conjunctivitis, which has been making the rounds
a lot recently, is the same as avian pox. No. The conjunctivitis is caused by a
bacterium, Mycoplasma gallicepticum, which is not contagious to humans, cats,
dogs or (so far as researchers can tell) other songbirds.

Avian pox is a herpes virus, just like chicken (hmm) pox, and many species of
bird are susceptible to it; however, it is thought to be a little different for
each species and not transmissible across species lines. Bald Eagles seem to get
it only as juveniles, corvids are rather susceptible and banders at Long Point
Bird Observatory say they see it a lot in grackles and blackbirds. It causes
"lesions" (that all purpose word) which look like lumpy, cracked disgusting
bumps on the non-feathered areas. They can grow all over the face and into the
mouth, causing the bird to be sightless and unable to feed. If the bird can
continue to get nourishment it can fare through the pox, but retains the virus
in its system and can shed it in feces.

If you are seeing house finches at your feeder with eyes swollen shut, it is
more likely to conjunctivitis than pox, but don't attempt to capture them for
treatment as there is no effective one at this time. The bacterium is said to be
passed along particularly at feeders, where finches congregate, so observe good
sanitation practices (I can send anyone who would like a list of these) or
consider shutting your feeders down for the rest of the season.

Chris Maack
Bird Treatment & Learning Center
Anchorage, AK
73201.3124 at compuserve.com