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Bird deaths outbreak investigated Bird deaths outbreak investigated
(about 11 hours later)
Hundreds of birds are being killed off by a parasite, which, experts say, is not linked to avian flu and poses no risk to humans. Hundreds of birds are being killed by a parasite that leaves species lethargic and can be fatal within three weeks.
Birdwatchers and residents have reported dead sparrows, chaffinches and goldfinches, mainly in south west England and the Midlands.Birdwatchers and residents have reported dead sparrows, chaffinches and goldfinches, mainly in south west England and the Midlands.
The disease, known as trichomoniasis, leaves birds lethargic - they can die within three weeks of contracting it. The disease, known as trichomoniasis, is not linked to avian flu and poses no risk to humans, experts say.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said an investigation had begun. The Institute of Zoology has begun an investigation into the deaths to try to understand why the disease has emerged.
There is no human health risk but, as always, when handling birds people must take care Andre Farrar from the RSPB The dramatic increase in the number of finch mortality incidents reported by members of the public is deeply concerning wildlife veterinarian Becki Lawson
Andre Farrar, spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds( RSPB ), said: "It is an unusually large outbreak. A record finch death rate was identified by the Garden Bird Health initiative - a three year project co-ordinated by the Institute of Zoology, which is part of the Zoological Society of London.
Becki Lawson, a wildlife veterinarian from the institute, said: "The dramatic increase in the number of finch mortality incidents reported by members of the public is deeply concerning.
"It is essential that further research is now undertaken so that we can gain a better understanding of the reasons for the disease emergence, and to assess the parasite's impact on our bird populations."
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has also emphasised that bird baths and feeders should be regularly washed and moved around the garden to guard against infection.
'Unusually hot weather'
Andre Farrar, spokesman for the RSPB, said: "It is an unusually large outbreak.
"Trichomoniasis usually affects pigeons and doves, but this summer it seems to have affected finches and house sparrows."Trichomoniasis usually affects pigeons and doves, but this summer it seems to have affected finches and house sparrows.
"There is no human health risk but, as always, when handling birds people must take care. "There is no human health risk but, as always, when handling birds people must take care."
"We are not sure what the reason is for the high number of deaths this year, but wildlife vets are investigating." Mr Farrar added the unusually hot weather in Britain this year could have contributed to the spread of the disease.
The organisation also emphasised that bird baths and feeders should be regularly washed and moved around the garden to guard against infection. A large number of cases have also been reported in Wales.
Mr Farrar said the unusually hot weather in Britain this year could have contributed to the spread of the disease.
A large number of cases have also been reported in Wales but few cases are thought to have been found in the east of England.
Vets from the Garden Bird Health Initiative - part of a three-year project at the Institute of Zoology - are now collecting data on the number of deaths across the country.