RSPB urges stop using bird tables during winter disease warning

The RSPB says damp food on flat bird tables can increase disease spread and is urging people to avoid using them during current wintry conditions; it notes it stopped selling flat tables in early 2025 and highlights alternatives such as hanging feeders and regular cleaning.

The RSPB has issued guidance asking UK households not to use flat bird tables during the current cold, snowy spell because of concerns that damp food on flat surfaces can increase disease transmission between garden birds. Met Office snow and ice warnings are in force across much of the UK. The charity says this risk contributed to its decision to stop selling flat bird tables and similar products in early 2025. The guidance also references preparations for the Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of January. Key points: - The RSPB reports that damp food and droppings on flat feeding surfaces can raise the risk of spreading disease among birds. - Diseases named in reporting include Trichomonosis, Salmonella (salmonellosis) and Avian Pox, each of which can be associated with feeders or food left on surfaces. - The RSPB discontinued sales of flat bird tables in early 2025 as a precautionary measure. - The charity mentions alternatives and precautions such as using hanging feeders, keeping feeders and water clean, clearing dropped seed, and providing natural winter food sources like teasel and winter shrubs. Summary: The RSPB's advice aims to reduce transmission of bird diseases during a period of widespread wintry weather and follows its earlier move to stop selling flat tables in 2025. The guidance is framed alongside current Met Office warnings and the upcoming Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of January.