Goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis, showing signs of Trichomonosis, a disease found in birds caused by a parasite, Sussex, UK
Trichomonosis is caused by the trichomonad parasite and lives in the upper digestive tract of the bird. Eventually it's presence causes the throat to be blocked and the bird will starve to death. Affected birds can show signs of lethargy, often more approachable than they should be, plus fluffing up, being unable to swallow and can be seen regurgitating food. The disease can survive outside the host in wet conditions and is often passed by saliva at feeding stations (important to keep clean) and via other water sources such as birdbaths. Finches are particularly susceptible but it can also affect sparrows, pigeons and doves and may even pass to those birds which prey on them. This disease does not affect humans or other animals that may come in contact such as pets.
Size: 4288px × 2848px
Location: Salehurst, Sussex, UK
Photo credit: © Toby Houlton / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: avian, bird, birds, britain, carduelis, disease, eating, england, feeding, fluffed, food, gb, goldfinch, illness, lethargic, parasite, plumped, poorly, pox, problem, sick, sickness, sussex, trichomonosis, uk, unwell, wildlife
