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Remove bird feeders to battle spread of deadly parasite, bird society urges

A purple finch showing signs of trichomoniasis is seen in this undated handout photo. Nova Scotians are being advised by a bird conservation group to remove bird feeders and close up bird baths around their property as a fatal disease spread by damp, human-provided seed is killing purple finches. THE CANADIAN PRESS

Nova Scotians are being asked to remove bird feeders and close up bird baths as a fatal disease spread by damp, human-provided seed is killing purple finches.

David Currie, president of the Nova Scotia Bird Society, says the cases of trichomonosis around the province are an annual occurrence, but they seem to have arrived quickly and intensely during a particularly cool and wet spring.

READ MORE: ‘It’s a big concern’: Dozens of dead fish discovered in Moncton’s Jones Lake

The fatal disease is caused by a tiny parasite being transmitted from bird to bird through moist bird seed, wet areas and in bird baths.

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Currie says there have been seven reports of the disease around the province, prompting his group to suggest people follow the advice of the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative and remove the feeders and bird baths.

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The parasite causes inflammation of the bird’s glands and windpipes, leading to lethargy and making it difficult for the birds to breathe.

READ MORE: Plan to cut 80,000 trees in beloved Halifax park delayed to protect bird nests

Currie said it primarily harms purple finches, which aren’t currently endangered, but the fatal illness occasionally spreads into other seed-eating birds.

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