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Outbreaks of disease in finches and other garden birds

Adult male greenfinch on twig
Large numbers of greenfinches are dying of a disease called trichomoniasis

Since summer 2005, a disease caused by a Trichomonad parasite has been reported in finch species in gardens. This was discovered as a result of work being carried out by the Garden Bird Health Initiative, of which the RSPB is part (see below).

Every year outbreaks are seen during the late summer and autumn. This disease does not pose a threat to the health of humans, cats or dogs.

Which birds are affected?

Greenfinches are reported most frequently, but other finch species and house sparrows are susceptible to the disease. Formerly, this disease was known from pigeons and doves, some birds of prey and gamebirds.

What happens?

The trichomonad parasite lives in the upper digestive tract of the bird, and its actions progressively block the bird’s throat making it unable to swallow food, thus killing it by starvation.

Birds with the disease show signs of general illness, for example lethargy and fluffed-up plumage, but affected birds may also drool saliva, regurgitate food, have difficulty in swallowing or show laboured breathing. Finches are frequently seen to have matted wet plumage around the face and beak. In some cases, swelling of the neck may be visible from a distance.

How is it transmitted?

The Trichomonad parasite is vulnerable to desiccation (drying out) and cannot survive for long periods outside the host. Transmission of infection between birds happens when they feed one another with regurgitated food during the breeding season and through food or drinking water contaminated with recently regurgitated saliva, or possibly from droppings of an infected bird.

What can I do?

Good hygiene practice, specifically the regular cleaning of all feeders, bird baths and feeding surfaces, is an essential part of looking after garden birds and will help to lower the risk to birds of diseases, including trichomoniasis.

If trichomoniasis is suspected, it is recommended to temporarily stop putting out food, except in tit feeders, and leave bird baths dry, for around two weeks, or until sick or dead birds are no longer found in the garden. This is in order to discourage birds from congregating together, which may increase the potential for disease spread between individuals.

No effective treatment can be administered to birds in the wild, because it is impossible to ensure that the infected individuals receive an adequate dose and that healthy birds do not pick up the medicine.

The Garden Bird Health Initiative

The Garden Bird Health initiative was set up as a UFAW (Universities Fund for Animal Welfare) Working Group in 2003, including among others the RSPB, the BTO, and the Institute of Zoology.

In 2005, the GBHi was extended to become a major research and surveillance project studying garden bird health and disease outbreaks. It develops and publishes guidelines about how to best feed garden birds in order to maximise the benefits for their welfare and conservation, and minimise the risks from infections.

How you can help us

If you are finding sick and dead birds in your garden, please help us monitor the spread and intensity of all disease outbreaks in garden birds by telling us what is happening to the birds in your garden. You can access a recording form by clicking on the link to the right.

Diagnosis of disease, including trichomoniasis, in wild birds relies on post mortem examination. The GBHi recommends following sensible hygiene precautions as a routine measure when feeding garden birds, and to avoid handling sick or dead wild birds directly. If you require further information or advice, please e-mail our Wildlife Enquiries team at wildlife@rspb.org.uk or call, 01767 693690 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm).

Last modified: 10 September 2008

Downloads

Garden bird disease recording form (24Kb)
Please fill in the form and e-mail it to us at wildlife@rspb.org.uk or send it to Wildlife Enquiries, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL. Once we receive your completed form, we will send you further information on trichomoniasis, and if appropriate, contact details of a lab for analysis of a freshly dead bird.