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Outbreaks of disease in finches and other garden birds
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). The outbreaks in the past two years have been during the late summer and autumn, and it is possible that there will be an outbreak in 2007. This disease does not pose a threat to the health of humans, cats or dogs. Which birds are affected?Incidences of this disease have increased since May 2007, with many people reporting affected birds in their gardens. Greenfinches have been most frequently affected, 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 InitiativeThe 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 usIf you are finding sick and dead birds in your garden, please help us monitor the spread and intensity of disease outbreaks, including trichomoniasis, in garden birds by telling us what is happening to your garden birds. You can access a recording form by clicking on the link to the right. Diagnosis of 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: 03 July 2008 |
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Flower borders in front of RSPB The Lodge reserve, Bedfordshire - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1999_0503_009 )
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