House Finch Conjunctivitis

This photograph, taken in late winter 1994, is perhaps one of the first ever taken of the finch conjunctivitis outbreak, caused by the organism Mycoplasma gallisepticum. It was among a roll of photos that were forwarded to the federal National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, WI, alerting them to the existence of this new disease perhaps for the first time. Though difficult to tell from this digitized image, there are at least five house finches infected with the disease in this photo. Photo by the Author.

PLEASE NOTE: This web site was created by an individual bird feeding enthusiast for the purpose of sharing information about the disease Mycoplasma gallisepticum now striking house finches and goldfinches in at least 33 eastern states and southeastern Canada. Its goal is to serve as an informal reference tool for other bird feeders, for wildlife rehabilitators, and for others interested in this subject. While the information presented here is hoped to be as complete and accurate as possible, it is not meant to be authoritative, nor are references to individuals or organizations mentioned here meant to imply endorsement of this web site by them. As with all matters involving wildlife health, please check with state and federal wildlife officials for further information.

All photos appearing on this web site are by the author, unless otherwise noted, and may be used for personal or educational, or other non-commercial purposes only, provided the author or this website are properly credited as their source (notifying me of such use is appreciated). If needed for any other uses, or if higher resolution images are desired, please contact Jim Cook at FinchMG@aol.com.

The web site was last updated August 11, 1997.
(Minor links updates and other editorial changes were made Jan. 31, 1998)