The parasite is transmitted between birds via their saliva, typically at shared food and water sources. It cannot live long outside a host, but can persist longer in damp conditions.

To minimise the spread of infection it is important to clean all feeders and water dishes thoroughly on a regular basis (i.e. at least every two weeks). Feeders should be cleaned with a suitable disinfectant or mild bleach solution (5-10% solution), rinsed thoroughly and allowed to air dry fully before being used again. If you have ‘spare’ feeders it can be good to rotate these when cleaning (i.e. use different feeders every two weeks, giving you plenty of time to clean and dry them).

Other tips include:

• Use several feeders in different locations in your garden, so that all birds aren’t congregating in a single place.
• Change the locations you put your feeders every few weeks, to prevent a build-up of droppings in any one place.
• Use feeders with mesh or drainage holes, to avoid a build up of moisture.
• Change the water in baths daily.
• Where possible, sweep up droppings and any old food and dispose of it carefully.