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Ingluvitis and oesophagitis in wild finches

SIR, – We are responding to the letter from Tom Pennycott and colleagues, and their request for further reports of disease in wild finches (VR, September 17, 2005, vol 157, p 360). The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) Diseases of Wildlife Surveillance Scheme has been providing DEFRA with wildlife disease surveillance since 1998 (Duff 2003, Duff and others 2003). From submissions to the scheme over recent months we have been aware of a syndrome similar to the one described, with lesions of ingluvitis and oesophagitis in finches. We have investigated six incidents, in two of which more than 20 dead greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) were found in gardens over a threeweek period. Other species using the same bird feeders were apparently unaffected. Our findings, including the demonstration of trichomonad-like parasites, are similar to those previously reported, and we have also identified a typical case in a chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). A viral aetiology has not been demonstrated from our preliminary examinations, which have included tissue culture and West Nile virus PCR. It is encouraging that at least two bodies have independently identified this condition because it suggests that wildlife disease surveillance, at least in wild birds, is working in the UK. As more groups become involved in monitoring wildlife disease, collaboration and sharing of data will be increasingly important if disease risks are to be identified and communicated effectively to government policymakers and other stakeholders. The results of VLA wildlife disease monitoring are regularly updated and can be viewed at www.vla.gov.uk by clicking on the index link under ‘What’s New’ and then ‘W’ for wildlife.