Cliff Drake asked:
> Could someone who has the information handy send or post a brief
> paragraph or two on diseases spread around bird feeders? Thanks.

This is copy from WOSNews 52...
Five diseases commonly affecting feeder birds
Salmonellosis is the most common bird-feeder disease. It is a general term for
any disease caused by Salmonella bacteria. Birds get sick when they eat food
contaminated by infected droppings.
Trichomoniasis is caused by protozoan parasites and is spread when birds
consume contaminated food or water.
Aspergillosis is caused by a fungus that grows on damp feed and in the debris
beneath feeders. Birds inhale the fungal spores and the fungus spreads through
their lungs and air sacs, causing bronchitis and pneumonia.
Avian pox is more noticeable than the other diseases. This viral infection
causes wartlike growths on featherless surfaces of a bird's face, legs, and
feet. It is usually spread by infected mosquitos, but is also commonly spread
by direct contact with virus-contaminated surfaces.
Mycoplasmosis is a recently-discovered disease that causes conjunctivitis in
songbirds (infection of eye membranes). It is transmitted by direct contact,
air-borne droplets, or dust. Mycoplasmosis has spread rapidly through the
eastern population of House Finches and has more recently been identified in
American Goldfinches.
To reduce the risk at your feeders:
Provide ample feeder space to avoid crowding.
Clean feeder areas regularly.
Clean feeders at least monthly. Use one part liquid chlorine household bleach
in nine parts tepid water and immerse feeder for 2 to 3 minutes.
Use safe feeders without sharp points or edges.
Don't use moldy or musty-smelling food.
Adapted from an article by Janet M. Ruth and Milton Friend in Bird
Conservation, summer nesting 1997, page 16.