Source: ABC 13 News
Wildlife experts are warning about a contagious eye disease spreading among backyard birds, especially house finches, as spring arrives. The illness, known as Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, spreads easily at bird feeders where birds gather closely and come into contact with contaminated surfaces, particularly during damp or cold conditions.
Infected birds often show symptoms such as swollen, crusty, or watery eyes, difficulty flying or landing, and unusual behavior like allowing people to get unusually close. As the disease affects their vision, birds become more vulnerable to predators and may struggle to find food. Experts recommend that people who notice sick birds take action by cleaning feeders thoroughly with disinfectant and temporarily removing them to reduce transmission. Using feeder designs that limit crowding and encouraging neighbors to maintain clean feeding areas can also help slow the spread.
Overall, awareness and proper hygiene practices are essential to protecting backyard bird populations from this disease.