The Lowdown on Bird Disease

There are a variety of diseases that commonly afflict wild bird species. People that maintain bird-feeding stations in their yards are often the most likely observers to see a bird that appears to be ill. One reason why bird-feeding enthusiasts are most likely to see diseased birds is because sick birds may be more easily attracted to a free meal. When a sick birds' ability to engage in normal foraging behavior is hampered by an abnormal growth or perhaps a bird's energy level is compromised, they may hang out a single feeder for more extended periods of time. People are also more likely see sick birds at feeders because of the super close up views and longer looks to notice oddities that a feeder facilitates.

 

The two most common diseases that an observer may notice because of the obvious outward signals that all is not well include mycoplasmal conjunctivitis and avian pox. The former avian affliction is also known as "House Finch eye disease' because it was first noticed in this particular species in 1994 by people in the Washington, D.C. area observing birds at their feeders. However, the bacterium that causes mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, Mycoplasma gallispectum, has been known as a troublesome pathogen for quite some time in the poultry industry. It has also been documented to afflict a handful of other species, including Purple Finches, American Goldfinches, and Evening Grosbeaks. This disease tends to be progressive, so you can't always know if a bird is sick, particularly if it has recently been exposed to the bacterium, but it is usually pretty obvious when a bird has a bad case of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis. The first sign of a sick bird is in the eyes, which may just appear reddish or a little bit swollen. In more progressive cases, a bird's eye's may look runny or have a significant build up of crusty goop, while in the most extreme situations a bird's eyes may be completely swollen shut.

Afflicted birds also tend to appear rather lethargic, or even totally sedentary if they can no longer see properly, and often engage in extensive bouts of eye scratching. Scientists studying mycoplasmal conjunctivitis have determined that while it is not always fatal, individuals that develop really bad cases and become blind typically die from starvation because they can't feed normally or eventually succumb to exposure or even predation in their weakened state. Avian pox, which can be caused by several different strains of the poxvirus, also produces prominent outward signs of ill health. It has been documented in some 60 odd species and is known to spread quite readily through direct contact with sick birds or contaminated food or water.

The most common type of avian pox results in ugly looking growths on the bare skin around the eyes, at the base of the bill, and also on the legs and feet. Depending on the severity and location of such growths, bird with this strain may live a long time. The less common form causes a sort of film or plaque to develop on the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, as well as in the trachea and even the lungs. Birds with a serious case of this form of avian pox often have a hard time eating and simply breathing, so they usually do not live very long. If you happen to see a bird with either of these diseases there is really not much you can do except be more vigilant about keeping your feeders clean or remove them for a while to help minimize further transmission.

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