It is caused by a one-celled protozoan parasite. Mourning doves are particularly susceptible. Trichomoniasis cause sores in birds' mouths and throats, making it difficult for birds to swallow or drink. The disease spreads when sick birds drop contaminated food or water at a feeder or watering area. A mold that grows on damp feed and in the debris beneath feeders.
Birds inhale the mold spores and infection spreads in the lungs, causing bronchitis and pneumonia.
The virus spreads by direct contact, by insects or by viruses shed on food by infected birds. Get another if your feeder is crowded. Clean your feeder and the droppings on the perching area each time you fill your feeder. Disinfect the feeder once or twice a month with one part of liquid chlorine household bleach in nine parts of warm water. If possible, immerse the feeder for two to three minutes and allow to air dry.