Now think about your bird feeder. Autumn is a good time of year to check and clean up your bird feeders for the winter feeding season. Like a crowded restaurant constantly used by a large group of customers, a bird feeder needs some sanitation practices to protect visiting birds from disease, explained Dan Edge, wildlife specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service. Birds can die quickly from this disease. Symptoms include abscesses in the lining of the upper digestive tract of the birds.
Infected birds spread the bacteria in their droppings.
Other birds get sick when infected droppings land on food. 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.