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Credit: Manx Wild Bird Aid.

The number of wood pigeons brought to Manx Wild Bird Aid for canker disease has increased rapidly.

 

The wildlife charity said 65 wood pigeons have been seen in the last year, with several this week brought in from Douglas, Groudle and Crosby areas with canker, which causes cheese-like yellow growths in the mouth and throat leading to starvation and death.

 

MWBA say that canker can be treated, but another disease called diphtheritic fowl pox has been spreading rapidly in Douglas.

 

This virus causes lesions in the mouth and cannot be treated.

 

Manx Wild Bird Aid say both diseases are highly contagious to all other species of birds and residents should observe strict hygiene of bird tables and feeders and scrub and disinfect them frequently.

 

Advice for seeing sick wood pigeons in gardens is to stop feeding the birds at all for a couple of weeks to halt the spread of the diseases.

 

If you come across a sick wood pigeon, take them straight to the nearest vet if possible, or contact MWBA if you can’t get them there yourself. 

 

Speaking to Energy FM MWBA's David Cole said compared to last year the number of wood pigeons brought in has jumped considerably:

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