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BIRD FEEDERS SPREADING DISEASE -- Jim Matthews column 7jul04
Parasite at bird feeders killing doves, pigeons
Outdoor News Service
Many of us add feeders and water to our yards to attract wild birds, but a recent outbreak of a parasite, trichomoniasis, in feeders has led to the death of a significant number of doves in the Yucca Valley area. This outbreak, along with three smaller outbreaks among wild bandtailed pigeons, has caused the Department of Fish and Game to issue a statewide advisory to everyone who feeds birds on how to reduce the spread of the potentially lethal parasite.
Trichomoniasis is a protozoan, or single-celled animal, that can cause high mortality in young doves, pigeons, and other bird species. It is easily spread among gregarious birds feeding or watering in the same place. Young doves are especially susceptible because they can get the parasite from their parents when fed "crop milk," which is produced by their parents. Adult birds may be resistant to the parasite or their may be different strains which are more lethal than others.
The parasite affects a bird's upper digestive tract, developing lisions in their mouths and throats that eventually prevent them from eating. Most birds die of starvation, but some actually suffocate from the lesions or when the disease impacts their liver.
The parasite can live up to several hours in water and up to five days in bird feed, so it can easily be spread from infected to healthy birds when they are concentrated.
The DFG recommends that people replace all food in their bird feeders and bird baths daily and decontaminate feed or water containers by using a 10 percent solution of household bleach in water before adding the food or water. It is also suggests that rather than putting feed in a single place, it is better to spread the food around and move the feed to different locations so birds aren't all feeding in a single place.
Birds are turning up dead throughout Southern California right now because of West Nile Virus, especially crows. If you find a dead bird, especially if it is freshly dead, you should notify your local animal control office immediately.
Parasite at bird feeders killing doves, pigeons
Outdoor News Service
Many of us add feeders and water to our yards to attract wild birds, but a recent outbreak of a parasite, trichomoniasis, in feeders has led to the death of a significant number of doves in the Yucca Valley area. This outbreak, along with three smaller outbreaks among wild bandtailed pigeons, has caused the Department of Fish and Game to issue a statewide advisory to everyone who feeds birds on how to reduce the spread of the potentially lethal parasite.
Trichomoniasis is a protozoan, or single-celled animal, that can cause high mortality in young doves, pigeons, and other bird species. It is easily spread among gregarious birds feeding or watering in the same place. Young doves are especially susceptible because they can get the parasite from their parents when fed "crop milk," which is produced by their parents. Adult birds may be resistant to the parasite or their may be different strains which are more lethal than others.
The parasite affects a bird's upper digestive tract, developing lisions in their mouths and throats that eventually prevent them from eating. Most birds die of starvation, but some actually suffocate from the lesions or when the disease impacts their liver.
The parasite can live up to several hours in water and up to five days in bird feed, so it can easily be spread from infected to healthy birds when they are concentrated.
The DFG recommends that people replace all food in their bird feeders and bird baths daily and decontaminate feed or water containers by using a 10 percent solution of household bleach in water before adding the food or water. It is also suggests that rather than putting feed in a single place, it is better to spread the food around and move the feed to different locations so birds aren't all feeding in a single place.
Birds are turning up dead throughout Southern California right now because of West Nile Virus, especially crows. If you find a dead bird, especially if it is freshly dead, you should notify your local animal control office immediately.
