The public are being asked to report sightings of garden birds riddled with lesions as scientists reveal that avian pox is spreading across the UK.
Avian pox has been recorded in bird species such house sparrows and wood pigeons for a number of years, but its recent emergence in great tits is causing real concern as the birds develop more severe symptoms of the disease.
Scientists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the University of Oxford recorded the first occurrence of the disease in Oxford last year. Prior to this, affected birds had most often been sighted in Surrey, Kent and Sussex. The researchers are now calling on the public to report sightings of garden birds with symptoms of avian pox to the RSPB Wildlife Enquiries Unit to help the research team track the spread of the disease.
Avian poxvirus causes the disease avian pox which leads to warty, tumour-like growths on different parts of a bird’s body, particularly on the head around the eyes and beak. The disease can be relatively mild in some species, but great tits have shown to suffer severe symptoms which can prevent them from feeding and increase their susceptibility to predation.
Wildlife Vet Dr Becki Lawson from ZSL said: “We now believe avian pox has spread as far north as Staffordshire. Public reports of sick birds are essential in helping us to track the disease and determine the wider impact it is having on our garden birds.”
The virus is spread between birds by biting insects that carry the virus, direct contact with other birds and, indirect contact possibly through contaminated bird feeders. Avian poxvirus is not known to be infectious to humans or other mammals.
Professor Ben Sheldon of the Edward Grey Institute at the University of Oxford said: “We have been studying great tits at Wytham Woods near Oxford since 1947 - the longest running study of its kind in the world, so we were very concerned when we first detected this disease in 2010. We're using our detailed observations to try to understand how this new form of pox affects survival and reproductive success."
Avian poxvirus was first recorded in great tits in Scandinavia in the 1970s and has recently been seen in Central Europe. The research team from ZSL and the University of Oxford are now undertaking molecular analysis of the virus to determine whether this new strain in Great Britain is the same as that seen on the continent.
Whilst supportive treatment can be attempted in captive birds, effective treatment of free-living birds under field conditions is not possible. Maintaining optimal hygiene at feeding stations can help to prevent outbreaks of disease.
For further information: http://www.ufaw.org.uk/gbhi.php
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Cheers Tom.
I've been reading about this all day, so far I've never seen a bird with the Avian Pox, and I hope I never do.
Only had 1 case of Tricomoniasis this year so far, thats a huge imporvement on last year.
Thomas W said:Maintaining optimal hygiene at feeding stations can help to prevent outbreaks of disease.
It might be helpful, Tom, if a few more details of what can help to make sure that the virus is killed when we clean feeding stations, were available. For example do products such as Aviclens and Avisafe have any effect against the virus?
Thanks
Jenni
God gave us two ears and one mouth for a very good reason!
Hi Jenni
Hygiene is very important. Yes, products such as Aviclens and Avisafe would work also Arklens and general disinfectant with a good rinse after. Make sure nestboxes are cleaned in the autumn with a rinse of boiling water.
Thanks Tom and thanks Alan!
I have a large garden and try to spread out my feeders so that not so many birds congregate in a small space but I know that people with town gardens are not so lucky!
Cheers!
Has anyone else had problems emailing the questionnaire back to the RSPB? I keep getting bouncebacks and have tried from several email addresses.
I have 2 sightings of what looks like great tit avian pox in the last week (Surrey).
Saw my first example (Great Tit) up at Yat Rock today. Not pretty! It has already been reported.
Every day a little more irate about bird of prey persecution, and I have a cat - Got a problem with that?
Heard about this on the radio the other day then saw a great tit on our nut feeder with a large red growth on it's eye. It looks very scabby too. Have taken photos - should they be sent anywhere?
Thanks Alan. Phoned them, spoke to Katie who took the details. I emailed the photos and questionnaire. Haven't seen the bird yet today.
Hi all, I have filled in my reporting form and I am just waiting from someone to call me back so that I can get an email address to sent it and the photos too.
But my question is.....I have only just put my bird table and feeders back out after a few months of absence due to summer and me not being able to afford bird food. Now that my cat has caught and I have to say thankfully killed the poor sparrow with Avian Pox do I again have to put my table etc away for another month or so?
This Avian Pox reminds me of Mixamatosis, a truly horrible way to die very slowly and painfully. I know most of you wont agree about a cat catching a bird but my cat being rather lardy would only have caught it because its was very sick and TBH she did the best thing that would have happened to it in a long time; kill it. Sad but true.
Hi Alan, yes they called me back and I sent my form and photos by email. The lady on the phone said it was a very severe case of the Pox but because it was the first time I had seen this in my garden I should just keep an eye on the feeders and disinfect them every couple of weeks now they are being used again. She emailed me some useful forms for future use too.
Thanks for your advice and for not getting on the cat hating band wagon!