Epidemic finch mortality.

SIR, – Over recent weeks, the Garden Bird Health Initiative (GBHi) has received an unusual increase in the number of calls from members of the public reporting finch morbidity and mortality in their gardens. The greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) and chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) are the species most frequently involved, sometimes in large numbers, and the national surveillance scheme has collated reports from a wide geographical area. Postmortem investigation has identified necrotic oesophagitis and ingluvitis associated with trichomonad-like parasites. This appears to be a novel and growing epidemic, following on from an apparent initial emergence in 2005 (Cousquer 2005, Holmes and Duff 2005, Pennycott and others 2005) and, if we are to determine the underlying factors leading to its emergence and impact on garden bird species, further research is required. We would be grateful if colleagues could inform us of garden bird mortality incidents by calling the GBHi on 020 7449 6685. A factsheet about this condition and information on best feeding practice for garden birds is available on the UFAW website (www.ufaw.org.uk).