Are Your Bird Feeders Spreading Deadly Diseases?
Find Out About Diseases Commonly Spread by Poor Bird Feeding PracticesTwo Potentially Lethal Diseases that Can be Spread by Backyard Bird FeedersDuring the last five years, I have had personal experience with two wild bird infections, trichomoniasis and avian pox, that can be unintentionally spread by well-meaning people who have bird feeders in their yards. I hope the following will raise awareness of the importance of good hygiene practices in feeding wild birds. TrichomoniasisTrichomonas gallinae infection is common in some wild birds, especially pigeons and doves. Those of us who regularly raise and release orphaned doves often have the heartbreak of caring for little ones who are infected with this parasite. Left untreated, it is almost always fatal. These little birds begin with difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. The progression of the disease ultimately makes swallowing impossible and their airways become completely closed off, causing them to die. Adult birds can be asymptomatic carriers and may pass this disease on when feeding their young. Another way the disease is spread is from infected water and food. When an infected bird drinks from a water source, the parasite swims out of its mouth and is then present in the water for other birds to pick up when they drink. When an infected bird picks up a seed or other food and then drops it, another bird may become infected after picking it up and eating it. This disease is not easy to spot. The only thing you can do is to try to be on the lookout for lethargic, fluffed up birds or birds who seem to keep their mouths open. This is your cue to take extra special care with the above precautions. If you see numerous sick birds, it would be best to discontinue feeding for the time being.Avian PoxI witnessed this one in my neighborhood a couple of years ago when diseased purple finches were coming to my patio to feed. I was seeing numerous birds with very large wart-like growths on their feet, legs, heads, and other parts of their bodies. I called South Plains Wildlife Rehab Center in Lubbock, TX. Their director helped me to determine that what I was seeing was an outbreak of avian pox.