Wildlife

UK Greenfinch Welfare and Trichomonosis Crisis

The welfare crisis facing UK greenfinches from trichomonosis disease spread at garden feeders.

Key Facts

UK greenfinch populations declined by 65% following trichomonosis outbreaks from 2005
Trichomonas gallinae causes fatal throat lesions preventing swallowing
Disease spreads at contaminated bird feeders between individual birds
Regular feeder cleaning with dilute disinfectant solution is the primary prevention measure
UK greenfinch populations have not recovered and remain critically low

Welfare Considerations

Trichomonosis causes severe individual suffering through slow starvation, and responsible feeder hygiene is the most important welfare action garden birdwatchers can take.

What You Can Do

Clean all bird feeders weekly with dilute disinfectant solution
Remove feeders temporarily if sick birds are observed in the garden
Report sick or dead greenfinches to the Garden Wildlife Health scheme