On Thu, 30 Mar 1995, Jon Anderson wrote:

> A similar thread went through tweeters a week or two (?) ago. What you
> are seeing is most likely Avian (Fowl) Pox. House finches appear to be
> especially susceptible to the disease. The disease can be debilitating
> or fatal to the infected bird. Crusty, swollen tumors and lesions are
> most often seen on the head and on the feet. The disease is quite
> communicable among the birds - I don't *think* it can affect people.

Just in case that last line got anyone worried - don't. Like most bird
diseases, avian pox is *not* communicable to humans.

Chris Hill
Seattle, WA
cehill at u.washington.edu