Stop Feeding Small Birds: Blue Tit Disease Outbreak in Sweden

Swedish health officials have issued an urgent warning for the public to stop feeding small birds for three weeks due to a rapidly spreading disease primarily affecting blue tits.

The Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA) raised the alarm on Wednesday after receiving numerous reports of dead or sick blue tits and other small birds. According to the agency, the disease spreads easily at bird feeders where birds gather in close contact.

The birds can do without supplementary feeding now that spring is here and they can find food in nature.

Karin Olofsson-Sannö, deputy state veterinarian and wildlife pathologist at SVA

SVA officials emphasize that the temporary suspension of feeding is necessary to curb the transmission of the infection, which causes fatal pneumonia in affected birds. The agency noted that a significant outbreak of similar illness occurred in 2020 and current reports indicate a resurgence since February.

Reports of sick and dead small birds, primarily blue tits, have risen since February, confirmed by the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) as blue tit disease.

News report from Newsminimalist

The RSPB in the UK has also issued similar guidance, advising the public to take down bird feeders between May and October to reduce the spread of avian diseases like trichomonosis, which has contributed to a 67% decline in greenfinch populations since 1979. While the current Swedish alert focuses on blue tits, officials note that other small bird species may also be affected by the same transmission risks at feeding stations. Authorities recommend that members of the public refrain from placing seeds, nuts, or other common bird feed in gardens or public spaces for the next three weeks. Natural food sources are expected to be sufficient as spring progresses, reducing the need for human-provided supplements. The warning applies specifically to small birds such as blue tits, though officials caution that the disease could potentially impact other avian species that frequent feeding areas. No cases of human infection have been reported in connection with this outbreak.