The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued urgent new guidelines urging people to stop feeding seeds and peanuts to garden birds from May 1 until October 31.
The RSPB is concerned that well-intentioned bird feeding is actually contributing to the spread of trichomonosis, a highly contagious disease. The illness has been linked to a worrying decline in British garden birds.
Greenfinch populations plummet
Greenfinch populations have been particularly hard hit, plummeting by 65% since 1979. The species has dropped from seventh place in the Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979 to 18th place this year.
The RSPB stated: "Research has shown a worrying decline in some of our much-loved garden birds due to a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders."
What to feed instead
While seeds and peanuts should be avoided during the spring and summer months, the charity emphasises that modest quantities of suet, fatballs or mealworms remain acceptable. The organisation also recommends cleaning and moving feeders weekly and changing water in bird baths daily.
The RSPB added: "Stopping the spread of disease is a challenge we can't tackle alone. By taking these simple steps to feed seasonally and safely, we can all help protect the future of our birds."
Flat feeder ban
Last year, the charity banned the sale of flat bird feeders pending further investigation after concerns they could be spreading the disease.
