Scientists research epidemic responsible for finches' plight

ATLANTA - Georgians are being asked to pay special attention to house finches - common feeder birds whose numbers are declining from a widespread epidemic. <br> <br> About 180 million house finches have disapperaed in the eastern United States since 1993 when the disease, which causes swollen, pus-filled, crusty eyes, was first detected. <br> <br> ``The epidemic is unique in that it has spread so rapidly,&#39;&#39; said Sonia Altizer, an Emory University ecologist tracking the outbreak. <br> <br> Some house finches die directly from the organism, but most die when they can&#39;t see their predators because of the eye infection. <br> <br> Altizer and other researchers suspect backyard feeders are spreading ``house-finch disease.&#39;&#39; Healthy birds are infected when they come in contact with sick birds or objects contaminated by them. <br> <br> Researchers want Georgians who participate in next weekend&#39;s Backyard Birdcount to take note of the number of house finches and submit reports over the Internet. <br> <br> The house finch is a sparrow-sized bird with a reddish breast. It is one of the most popular year-round visitors to backyard feeders in Georgia.