Birdfeeders Spreading Disease

Birdfeeders in western Ada County are killing birds by spreading a highly contagious and deadly fungus.

The outbreak of the disease, trichomoniasis, is centered around Meridian, but birds could spread it to Boise - or anywhere else, said Dr. Dave Hunter, wildlife veterinarian for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The lethal fungus is also killing birds in the Ketchum area, and is a problem nationwide.

The fungus is extremely contagious around birdfeeders. It causes lesions inside the bird’s mouth, preventing it from swallowing.