Subject: [Tweeters] Re: house finch eye disease
Date: Feb 27 15:01:22 2005
From: Jason Rogers - hawkowl at hotmail.com


Hi Terri,

I'm assuming that your House Finches are coming to a feeder?

They may be infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) or they may have
pox. In any case, the feeder(s) needs to go. MG has proven itself
remarkably adaptable in the East, and there is evidence that is is moving
west. As much as no one wants to hear it, feeders have played a significant
role in the spread and, indirectly, possibly even the emergence of the MG
form that that began infecting House Finches, American Goldfinches, and
other non-poultry species in 1994.

Please do not attempt to catch the birds or have them treated. There is a
concern that individuals treated with antibiotics and released may spread a
more resilient form of MG.

Regards,
Jason Rogers
Banff, AB
hawkowl at hotmail.com