RSPB England Issues New Seasonal Guidance on Garden Bird Feeding to Prevent Disease Spread.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued new guidance urging the public to adopt seasonal bird feeding practices to help protect vulnerable garden bird populations from disease.
The charity is advising households across England to pause routine bird feeding between May 1st and October 31st, citing increased risks of disease transmission during warmer months, when feeders can become contamination hotspots.
Rising Concern Over Bird Disease.
The recommendation follows growing concern over trichomonosis, a parasitic disease that affects birds’ mouths, throats, and digestive systems, often making it difficult for them to eat or breathe. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water sources and has been linked to significant declines in several species.
Among the most affected is the greenfinch, whose population has dropped by an estimated two million birds in the UK, placing it on the conservation red list. Long-term monitoring data also shows a steep decline in sightings, with greenfinches falling from one of the most commonly recorded garden birds to much lower rankings in recent years.
Seasonal Feeding Approach Recommended.
Under its new campaign “Feed seasonally, feed safely”, the RSPB is encouraging the public to rethink year-round feeding habits. While feeding birds can provide benefits, especially during colder months, the charity warns that concentrated feeding in summer can facilitate the spread of disease.
Limited feeding may still be appropriate if done carefully. The RSPB advises offering only small quantities of food, such as mealworms or fat-based products, sufficient for one or two days at most.
Hygiene Measures Essential.
To reduce risks, the RSPB recommends:
- Cleaning bird feeders at least once a week.
- Regularly changing feeder locations to prevent waste buildup.
- Providing fresh tap water daily if offering water.
- Cleaning bird baths weekly.
- Avoiding flat surface feeders, such as traditional bird tables, where contamination can accumulate more easily
The organisation has already begun phasing out flat feeders from its own product range.
Widespread Public Impact.
Bird feeding is a popular activity in England, with millions of households participating regularly and significant annual spending on bird food. The RSPB acknowledges that changing established habits may be challenging but stresses the importance of protecting bird populations.
The guidance has been developed in collaboration with scientific partners and is based on an extensive review of available evidence. While some industry groups have raised concerns about the changes, the RSPB maintains that precautionary action is necessary.
Supporting Birds Responsibly.
The RSPB emphasises that feeding birds can still play a positive role when done responsibly. However, it warns that continuing current practices without adjustment could contribute to further population declines.
“We cannot continue as usual,” the charity stated, highlighting the need for collective action to safeguard garden birds for the future.
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