Bird lovers urged to take action to avoid spread of deadly diseases

The public has been urged not to feed garden birds nuts and seeds to cut the spread of deadly diseases.

The RSPB has asked people to remove bird feeders from May 1 to October 31, to avoid the spread of Trichomonosis, a parasitic disease which causes abrasions in the throat, making it more challenging for birds to eat, drink or breathe.

It can be spread through contaminated water and food.

Bird lovers are being encouraged to follow the “feed safely and feed seasonally” guidance by replacing feeders filled with seeds and peanuts, with mealworms, fat balls or suet during the summer months to discourage birds from gathering at feeding stations.

The results of the Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden survey, revealed a 65% decrease in numbers of Greenfinches over the past thirty years. This puts the species on the UK Red List, with the deadly disease contributing to the decline.

The RSPB discourages people from offering bird baths unless they can refill them daily with fresh tap water.

The new guidance also stresses the importance of cleaning bird feeders at least once a week and moving their locations. As well as discarding the use of flat-surfaced feeders to avoid contaminated food gathering.

The move is being recommended to “improve hygiene practices” during warmer weather.

A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: “Our Animal Rescue Officers and wildlife rescue centre regularly see high numbers of birds with trichomonas in the summer months with various degrees of severity.

“The guidance, designed to reduce bird density at feeding stations and improve hygiene practices, is an important factor in reducing the spread of the disease in birds.”

Bird-friendly planting of sunflowers, teasel and ivy is also being encouraged to provide natural food sources for birds.

The Scottish SPCA is urging anyone who has bird feeders to follow the updated guidance to help protect Scotland’s bird populations.