SAD LOVE QUOTES: Britain's favourite garden birds threatened by lethal strain of avian pox

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Britain's favourite garden birds threatened by lethal strain of avian pox

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By Tamara Cohen

Last updated at 8:10 AM on 3rd August 2011

A lethal strain of avian pox could devastate the population of one of Britain's favourite garden birds, experts warned yesterday.

The disease causes large tumour-like warts, particularly on the head, eyes and beak, which can damage a bird's sight and ability to feed.

But in great tits, these warts can be up to 2cm wide in the worst cases – and so heavy that they prevent the birds from flying.

Epidemic: The warts can grow to such a heavy weight they they stop great tits from flying

Scientists at the University of Oxford, working with the RSPB, have appealed for the public to record any sightings of affected birds so they can trace the disease's development.

Avian pox has affected other birds – such as wood pigeons, starlings and sparrows – for many years, but their warts are smaller and usually heal.

The first clusters of great tits suffering from the pox were recorded in Surrey and Kent, but this year it has spread to areas including Oxfordshire, and as far north as Staffordshire.

Pugh

Last year, the public reported cases in 100 different areas, with 40 more added since January. Many more are expected over the summer months.

Wildlife vet Dr Becki Lawson from the Zoological Society of London, which is working with the university, said the pox was likely to be an aggressive new strain, and was causing great concern because of the severe symptoms.

She said: '[Great tits] are reacting to it in a more extreme way than we have seen in other birds. We have seen mortality, and the lesions can impair their sight or feeding, or stop them from flying.

'We are also looking into whether their reproduction is affected.'

The great tit population in the UK is about 5.5million.

They account for around 90 per cent of the affected birds, but the pox has also been seen in small numbers of other species such as the blue, marsh and willow tits.

Homeowners with birdboxes have been urged to clean them, because the condition can be spread through contact with other birds or even dust and scabs from lesions.

Members of the public can report cases of avian pox by calling the RSPB Wildlife Enquiries Unit on 01767 693690 or visit the charity's website.