House Finch eye disease is the most common ailment you may encounter. The West Nile Virus is much more of a threat to humans as is Lyme disease. House Finch Eye Disease Cornell Lab of Ornithology initiated a House Finch Disease Survey in 1994 to track the occurrence and distribution of 'House Finch Eye Disease'. Actually the cause of the 'disease' is a bacterium called , Mycoplasma gallisepticum which typically causes respiratory ailments in domestic birds. In House Finches, the disease is restricted to the eyes and sinus cavities.
Recognizable symptoms are eyes that appear runny, crusted and swollen.
The birds may also appear weakened or blinded. Other species besides House Finch that have been identified with the disease include American Goldfinch and Downy Woodpecker, both common feeder birds. 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Cornell has a special web page devoted to the disease. To reduce disease potential, keep areas under feeders clean and occasionally wash feeders with bleach solutions and rinse.