Subject: ? -Reply
Date: Nov 04 16:49:04 1997
From: Chris Thompson - THOMPCWT at dfw.wa.gov


Hi Nancy,

I studied House finches (and still do to a degree) for the last 10 years or
so. As you may know, there is a substantial literature on avian pox
including much specifically on pox in House Finches. It is very common
in many areas, especially in the southwest and southern California.
Although it may be transmitted at feeders, and does occur at a higher
rate in urban versus rural environments, I doubt that keeping your feeder
down will have any significant effect either way, i.e., the major factors
that dictate its rate and transmission are probably unrelated to presence
or absence of feeders. Feel free to contact me further if you want more
info (e.g. reprints of papers etc.).

Chris Thompson
Research Scientist
Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife