Help stamp out deadly virus by cleaning bird baths and tables

8:45am Sunday 24th September 2006

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THERE is growing concern that a deadly virus may be sweeping the countryside causing the deaths of hundreds of wild birds.

The disease is hitting finches and sparrows in particular and scientists are urging householders to clean bird baths and bird tables in a bid to stamp it out.

The virus, trichomoniasis, poses no risk to humans but it can lead to a painful death for wild birds, which can pick up the disease through water.

The virus attacks the throat, causing the bird problems with swallowing and later with breathing.

Wildlife vets are investigating the cause of the outbreak, which appears to be widespread across the UK but particularly in the West Country and the Midlands. Members of the public have reported finding bodies of finches and sparrows in their gardens.

Scientists are wondering whether the unusually hot summer has led to the increase in the number of cases because it is spread by birds sharing baths and feeders.

The RSPB has urged bird lovers to regularly wash out bird baths and cleaners as this may help to halt the spread of the disease.

The disease is common in pigeons and doves but this year it has spread to finches and sparrows.

It can also be picked up by birds of prey, which may feed on an infected pigeon.

Bird lovers are advised not to touch or handle any sick or dead bird they may find but to contact the Garden Bird Health Initiative on www.ufaw.org.uk The advice is not because the virus can spread to humans, but a body of a dead bird can cause other health nasties such as salmonella and E. coli.