Wildlife

Wild Bird Disease Surveillance and Welfare

Disease surveillance in wild bird populations and welfare implications of avian disease outbreaks.

Key Facts

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has caused major wild bird mortality events since 2020
Trichomonosis transmitted at garden feeders causes significant songbird mortality
Aspergillosis, salmonellosis, and trichomonosis affect different wild bird species
Feeder hygiene significantly reduces risk of disease transmission at garden feeding stations
UK government operates wild bird disease surveillance through APHA and partner organisations

Welfare Considerations

Disease outbreaks cause significant acute and chronic suffering in wild birds, and both surveillance and prevention through feeder hygiene deliver welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Clean bird feeders regularly with dilute disinfectant solution
Report sick or dead wild birds to APHA's wildlife disease reporting service
Support wild bird disease research through donations to wildlife health organisations