Wildlife experts are urging gardeners to perform a simple daily task throughout July: refilling bird baths with fresh water to prevent the spread of a deadly disease called trichomoniasis. This 60-second chore can significantly reduce the risk of birds transmitting the highly contagious parasitic illness, which causes severe lesions in the throat and upper digestive tract.
Why Daily Water Refills Are Essential
Lucy Taylor, a wildlife specialist from Vine House Farm, told Ideal Home: "The most important thing that you can do in July to support birds is to refill bird baths with fresh water daily. The warmer weather we experience in July means that other sources of water relied on by birds may have dried up, and they need to drink to replace the fluids they lose in the heat."
Gardeners do not need to purchase a dedicated bird bath; a shallow container will suffice. However, if a bird bath is already in use, it must be emptied and cleaned daily, then allowed to dry fully before refilling. Cleaning is crucial to minimise the risk of disease transmission, as trichomoniasis spreads through contaminated saliva in infected baths or water pools.
Trichomoniasis: A Fatal Threat to Garden Birds
Trichomoniasis is a highly contagious parasitic illness that primarily affects finches, particularly Greenfinches and Chaffinches, as well as pigeons and doves. Infected birds experience difficulty swallowing, lethargy, and weight loss due to lesions in the throat and upper digestive tract. The disease spreads when birds drink or regurgitate water contaminated by infected individuals.
According to the RSPB, the risk of trichomoniasis transmission is highest during summer and autumn, making July a critical month for prevention. To further reduce the spread, the RSPB advises against leaving out peanuts and seeds between May 1 and October 31. Instead, specialists recommend offering modest quantities of mealworms, fat balls, or suet throughout the year.
Positioning the Bird Bath for Safety
When placing a bird bath or dish in the garden, ensure it is situated away from direct sunlight to prevent rapid water evaporation and algae growth. Additionally, position it a few metres away from dense shrubs to protect birds from predator attacks. James Ewens, bird specialist at Green Feathers, told Ideal Home: "Providing water in the month of July is so important for many reasons, the main and most obvious one being the warmer weather. In July, rainfall is limited, and temperatures tend to be higher, making it more difficult for birds to access water to cool down, hydrate and maintain their feathers."
By following these simple steps, gardeners can help ensure birds remain healthy and hydrated throughout the hot summer months.
