Wildlife

Greenfinch Welfare and the Trichomonosis Epidemic

Greenfinch populations have crashed dramatically due to a trichomonosis epidemic spread via garden bird feeders, with hygiene practices directly improving individual bird welfare.

Key Facts

UK greenfinch populations fell by over 60% between 2005 and 2020 due to trichomonosis
The disease is caused by Trichomonas gallinae, spread via contaminated food and water
Infected birds show lethargy, puffed plumage, and difficulty swallowing
Garden feeders act as disease amplifiers when not cleaned regularly
The species was added to the UK Red List following this population crash

Welfare Considerations

Trichomonosis causes a distressing death through starvation as infected birds are unable to swallow food. Garden feeders are the primary transmission route, making individual householders directly responsible for disease spread. Regular cleaning of feeders and bird baths with 5% disinfectant solution, and removal of feeders when sick birds are present, directly reduces disease transmission and prevents unnecessary suffering.

What You Can Do

Clean bird feeders thoroughly every 2 weeks with 5% disinfectant solution
Remove feeders immediately if sick or dead birds are found nearby
Avoid placing food directly on the ground where contamination risk is highest
Report sick greenfinches and other birds to the Garden Wildlife Health scheme