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AVIAN CONJUNCTIVITIS
Songbirds with eye infections are occasionally found
at bird feeders this time of year. A bird might be observed sitting
at a feeder for long periods of time and depending on how advanced
the infection is, the bird may fly away when approached or sit there
blindly -- allowing you to pick it up. There is treatment for this
condition and there is a lot you can do to help.
Avian conjunctivitis is an eye infection that can
inflict many species of songbird but is most often seen in house
finches. The bacteria affect the conjunctiva, the membrane
surrounding the eyes, causing the tissue to swell and become
irritated. As the infection spreads, the bird can become completely
blind. Starvation quickly follows if not treated.
Avian conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection easily
spread at bird feeders, which is why it is more prevalent this time
of year. Birds can contaminate the seed simply by visiting the feeder
and once a sick bird finds a feeder, it may be reluctant to leave
that food source because it cannot see. Healthy birds will quickly
pick up the infection and spread it to other feeders as they visit
the neighborhood.
Signs of a problem are swollen, red eyes, listlessness
and approachability. Birds will often sit fluffed up as their energy
reserves diminish. If you see such a bird, do not wait to call
us. Capture the bird immediately and place it in a box keeping it
warm, dark and quiet. Call Red Creek and transport it to us as
quickly as possible. We have a treatment of topical and oral
antibiotics that has proven very successful at curing these birds.
Even if you do not see infected birds in your area,
you can help reduce the spread of the disease by following a regular
disinfection routine of your bird feeders:
" Twice each week allow the seed to empty in
the feeder.
" Clean any debris and bird droppings from the feeder.
" After cleaning, soak the feeder in one part
bleach to thirty parts water solution for fifteen minutes.
" Rinse and allow to completely dry before
refilling the feeder with fresh seed.
It is very important to apply this routine to ALL the
feeders in the area. Encourage your bird-friendly neighbors to do the
same by printing and sharing this article with them.
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