*https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/learn/top10/attract-birds-with-water.php?mc_cid=7cc0c283c0&mc_eid=c0adf27074*
In Nova Scotia, we have had a few instances of Trichomonosis in birds.
Studies indicate that the Trichomonosis gallinae parasite has a limited
life outside the host. In water, it lasts longer when there are organic
materials present (such as in puddles) and a very short time in clean,
chlorinated water (see
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275585628_Trichomonas_gallinae_Per…).
To me this means that birdbaths supplied with chlorinated water may keep
the birds from having to drink from puddles and be better for them in
the hot, summer months.
The Canadian Wildlife Health Association recommends: "Due to the
potential risk that bird feeders and bird baths pose as transmission
sites for /Trichomonas/ it is recommended that these are emptied and
taken down during outbreaks. Remove feeders and baths for at least two
weeks to encourage birds to disperse from the area, reducing the
potential for disease transmission". (see
http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/docs/fact_sheets/Trich_Factsheet_EN.pdf)
The British Trust for Ornithology, where 1.5 million Greenfinches died
from Trichomonosis, recommends: "Empty and air dry any bird baths on a
daily basis. You may wish to consider stopping feeding if you have an
outbreak of the disease at your feeding station, in an attempt to force
the birds to feed elsewhere at a lower density (although in reality they
may end up visiting another feeding station and possibly one where no
hygiene measures are in place)". (see
https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/…)
Don MacNeill donmacneill(a)bellaliant.net