Diseases of Wild Finches

Because finches travel in large packs and are often closely related, they are very susceptible to diseases in the wild. An infected bird can cause an outbreak around your bird feeder, so be aware of common symptoms.

  1. Mycoplasma Gallisepticum

    • Symptoms of mycoplasma gallisepticum include cloudy eyes, swollen sinuses, coughing, sneezing and labored breathing. The disease may be difficult to spot and is airborne.

    Avian Pox

    • Avian pox is characterized by warty lesions on the head, legs and feet. It is transmitted through biting an infected insect and may be spread through contaminated food or water.

    Conjunctivitis

    • Finches infected with conjunctivitis will have red, swollen, runny or crusted eyes, in extreme cases swollen shut. These birds will obviously have trouble feeding and may stay on the ground under your feeder.

    Spread of Disease

    • Though researchers know how avian pox and mycoplasma gallisepticum are spread, conjunctivitis remains a mystery, according to Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology. In poultry, the disease is airborne, but it may also be spread through contaminated food and water areas.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Keep your feeders at a distance to avoid birds getting too close to one another. Clean bird feeders and bird baths regularly with 10 percent bleach solution to kill lingering diseases.