UK gardeners warned about bird tables spreading disease among garden birds

Gardeners in the UK are advised to reconsider using bird tables to feed certain birds. The Royal Horticultural Society warns that these tables can spread trichomonosis, a disease affecting birds like greenfinches and chaffinches. Trichomonosis is transmitted through saliva and can be picked up from contaminated food. The disease has significantly reduced the British greenfinch population since 2006. Regular cleaning of feeders and moving them around the garden can help reduce disease risks. If birds in a garden show signs of illness, feeding should stop for at least two weeks. Gardeners can report sick birds online through Garden Wildlife Health.