Can You Get Conjunctivitis From a Bird?

AMES, Iowa – Project FeederWatch participants have been noticing an epidemic of House Finch eye disease (also known as mycoplasmal conjunctivitis) in their backyards. This pathogen has also affected American Goldfinches, Evening Grosbeaks and Purple Finches.

Infected birds have red, swollen, runny or crusty eyes; in extreme cases their eyes become swollen shut or crusted over, leaving them essentially blind.

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Causes

Birds can contract conjunctivitis from various bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa. Diagnostic testing is required to determine the exact cause of each case.

One bacterial infection that affects many birds is avian pox (also known as “knemidokoptes pilae” or “scaly face mite”), which can cause wart-like growths around the eyes and base of the beak, legs and feet. A visit to a veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis and provide recommendations for treatment.

This disease is common in finches, parrots and lovebirds. Symptoms include a red, swollen and crusty eye; in severe cases the eyes can turn black and blind.

House Finches were the first victims of this bacterium, but it is also affecting American goldfinches, evening grosbeaks and purple finches. Researchers have found that factors such as lesion severity and bird behavior influence how easy the pathogen passes from one infected bird to another.

Symptoms

Conjunctivitis is a common infection in many pet birds, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. It is important to see your exotic pet veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis is red, watery eyes. It may also appear as crusty thickened growths that cover the eyelids.

A more severe condition can cause the eyes to become swollen shut, leading to blindness in severely affected birds. This disease can be fatal if your bird is not treated quickly.

House finches are particularly susceptible to this bacterial disease because they tend to move together in foraging flocks. They also are more likely to share food and water resources with others.

Treatment

Treatment options for conjunctivitis in birds depend on the cause of infection, but typically include saline flushes with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. Your veterinarian will also determine the duration of your bird’s treatment and possible dietary supplements that can help them recover.

Historically, house finches have become infected with a parasitic bacterium, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg). It was first detected in house finches in the mid-1990s, and it spread quickly among populations on the Eastern Seaboard.

House finches that become infected typically have red, swollen, watery eyes with crusty thickened growths around their eyelids and around the eye. In severe cases, these growths can completely cover the eye.

Prevention

Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. Fortunately, the infection can be prevented with proper avian husbandry and veterinary care.

One way to prevent conjunctivitis is to only get birds from reputable breeders and uphold the standard avian husbandry protocol. This includes cage positioning, regular cage cleaning, and frequent veterinary visits to ensure the health of your bird.

Another prevention option is to avoid consuming bird feed that is contaminated with mold or fungi. This is a common cause of bird eye disorders, as fungal infections can lead to yellow plaques under the bird’s eyelid.

Some other preventative measures you can take include using anti-microbial sprays to wipe down your bird’s cage, and ensuring that you are washing your hands thoroughly after handling your pet. Finally, securing pet health insurance can be a good idea to help cover unexpected vet costs for your beloved companion.