The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued a plea to UK households to 'pause' feeding wild birds in gardens from May 1 to October 31 to help combat the spread of trichomonosis, a parasite disease that has severely impacted greenfinches and chaffinches. The RSPB emphasizes that during warmer months, the risk of disease transmission increases due to higher bird congregation around feeders. Instead of seeds and peanuts, the RSPB suggests offering small amounts of mealworms or suet, which are less likely to carry the disease. It is also crucial to keep feeding areas clean by washing feeders weekly and changing their locations to prevent waste accumulation. Trichomonosis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas gallinae, leads to throat sores in birds, making it difficult for them to eat and drink, often resulting in starvation. The RSPB highlights that finches are particularly vulnerable to this disease, with research indicating that they have lower survival rates in suburban areas compared to rural ones. The guidance aims to protect garden birds while still allowing for some feeding during the critical nesting period.