House Finch eye disease first appeared in eastern North America in 1994, causing severe conjunctivitis and reduced survival of this popular feeder bird. Studies find that the illness is becoming more severe (virulent) in both eastern and western House Finch populations. Dr. André Dhondt will talk about his research on why this disease is becoming more virulent, based on the hypothesis that it is the result of competition among different strains in a system in which hosts can recover from infections, but maintain imperfect immunity after recovery (the immune escape hypothesis). The presentation will begin after Cayuga Bird Club business—the public is welcome to attend.

Photo: Male House Finch by Judy Howle