Avian Conjunctivitis or Mycoplasma

Avian Conjunctivitis can be caused by a number of factors, including injuries, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa. Diagnostic testing is necessary to determine exactly what causes each case of conjunctivitis.

House Finch with Avian Conjunctivitis

Infected birds typically show various degrees of crusty thickened growths around the eyes. In extreme cases, these growths can completely cover the eye. Eyes are often swollen, reddish as well as watery. Birds with conjunctivitis may also suffer from associated respiratory problems, which can result in death. (Please refer to the photo at the bottom)

Conjunctivitis can be caused by a number of factors, to including injuries, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa. Diagnostic testing is necessary to determine exactly what causes each case of conjunctivitis.

Swollen eyes may also be caused by psittacosis (usually only affects one eye) or mycoplasma (plus myriad other health problems).

Signs of conjuntivitis

Traditional Treatment Protocol

If it is mycoplasma, a vet would typically prescribe Tylosine or Doxycicline (antibiotics) – both of which can usually be purchased at a pigeon or chicken supply store.

Dr. Cindi Bossart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has developed a spray that has shown effectiveness in treating conjunctivitis or chronic sinusitis.

• 200 mg Tylosin (Tylan® injectable)
• 150 mg Gentamicin (Gentocin® injectable)
• 3 cc Flucort® (flumethasone); or you could use 8 mg Dexamethasone (Azium® injectable)
• 3 cc Avitron® (a bird vitamin available at regular pet stores) or 6 cc of Anjacome® (an injectable vitamin)
• 1 quart (filtered) water

Spray mixture 2-3 times a day, getting the bird very wet (head, eye area, even mouth without drowning). Keep bird warm after spraying.

Holistic Treatments:

• Colldodial silver is a recognized remedy for eyes
• Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) – also commonly referred to as Eyebright Meadow or Eyebright Red. Botanical blend sold as an eyewash. One of the best remedies for pets (including birds) with eye problems, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis of the eyes, infectious and allergic reactions affecting the eye. Caution is advised when using the eyebright herb in the treatment of dry and stuffy congestions, even though the eyebright is capable of alleviating liquid mucous, the astringent quality of the herb can often worsen dry or stuffy disorders in the inflamed tissues.
• Rue Fennel Compound is soothing, cleansing and astringent blend of liquid extracts that help with irritated, inflamed or infected eyes in humans and may also be helpful with birds (discuss with a holistic vet)

House Finch Eye Disease, also known as Mycoplasmal Conjunctivitis

Originally this disease affected mainly domestic turkeys and chickens, but this disease has been observed in House Finches since the 1990s and also affects several other species, including – but not limited to – American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak, and Purple Finch, to a lesser degree.

Often observed in birds at bird feeders or water baths – both of which are implicated in the spread of this disease. Once this disease is observed in your garden, any bird feeder and bird bath should be removed for at least a couple of weeks and thoroughly sanitized before reusing.

You can help monitor the spread of this disease by contributing to the House Finch Disease Survey. For more information, visit the web site or call (800) 843–2473.

Symptoms: Infected birds may have red, swollen, runny or crusty eyes. In severe cases, the eyes become swollen shut and the bird becomes blind and unable to fend for itself. You might observe an infected bird sitting quietly in your yard, clumsily scratching an eye against its foot or a perch. While some infected birds recover, many die from starvation, exposure, or predation.

Additional symptoms may be respiratory distress (open beak) and tail-bobbing. (Treatment options above)

Gaurav Dhir

Gaurav is an animal enthusiast. He lives in beautiful Ontario with his energetic family. As a part of his work at beautyofbirds.com, he has been working with ace parrot trainer, Cassie Malina to understand bird behavior and learn more about how he can train his feathered companions.

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