Common bird diseases

Last update: December 27, 2005 - 3:07 PM

There are five diseases that are common among some of the birds that visit feeders. Of them, salmonellosis is the most common. This is a bacterial disease that can cause abscesses in the lining of the esophagus and crop. Infected birds pass the bacteria in their droppings and the disease spreads as other birds eat seed contaminated by the droppings.

Another common eye disease that affects the eastern population of house finches is caused by the bacterium mycoplasma gallisepticum. This disease is usually passed by direct contact among individual birds.

A parasitic disease called trichomonasis affects pigeons and doves. Infected birds usually develop sores in their mouths and throats. Because they are unable to swallow, they drop food or water that is contaminated with the parasite, which other birds then consume.

Aspergillus is a mold that grows on damp feed. Birds can inhale the mold spores, which cause bronchitis and pneumonia.

And finally avian pox causes wart-like growths on the featherless portions a bird's face, wings, legs, and feet.

Remember, regularly cleaning and disinfecting feeders helps cut down on the spread of disease. Having several feeders spaced as far apart as possible prevents overcrowding at feeders, which also helps prevent disease.

THE MINNESOTA ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION

Make a shelter feeder

A lean-to made of a piece of plywood and two wooden legs will provide a feeding place for winter birds. Scatter seed in the protected area under the plywood roof, and keep that space free of snow and ice. It is best to have the opening of this shelter face away from prevailing winds.

Birds will be more likely to visit this (or any other) feeder if additional shelter is offered by bushes, shrubs, trees or if a simple brush pile is nearby. Your discarded Christmas tree could make a good refuge. You could even staple some of its branches to the roof of your lean-to. Remember, birds aren't architecture critics.

JIM WILLIAMS