GARDENING

6. Thyroid eye disease: Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward (‘staring’ or ‘bulging’ eyes). What will an optician test for and check (beyond long and short sightedness)? “A close inspection of the lens, retina and optic nerve can reveal a host of disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes among them, even if the patient feels fine and shows no other symptoms. “There are lots of age-related eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma, that an eye examination can also identify at an early stage – so it is crucial to get your eyes test regularly, especially as you get older. “Many opticians will carry out an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan as part of the eye examination. This hospital-quality scan uses cutting-edge technology to look more closely at your retina. OCT technology uses light waves to take images of your retina; similar to how an ultrasound scan uses sound waves. During an OCT scan, you will be asked to sit in front of a small machine with your chin placed on a support. The instrument then takes a picture of your eyes, revealing to the optician what is going on beneath the surface of the eye. They will review this information as part of your eye examination. “An optician will also ask you questions about your general health in order to build up an overall picture if your lifestyle and any issues they should be aware of. “Other common stages of an eye exam include tonometry test – this uses puffs of air to measure pressure inside your eye, again this can help to identify any early signs of glaucoma. A slit lamp is used to check the health of your cornea, your iris and your lens. Your optician will use a powerful microscope to assess each eye. “The sight part of the test is known as refraction – this is where the optician will ask you to read letters on a chart in front of you whilst different lenses are out in front of your eyes to fine tune your prescription

FOOD, FEET & FAECES How clean gardens are the route to Wild Bird Health

We all love to see a garden filled with birds feasting, drinking, and bathing. But the bird feeders, bird tables and other feeding points we put up, can easily become a focus for the spread of disease. Our feeders and drinkers tend to attract high numbers of different bird species which can cause cross contamination. There are many disease transfer points across our gardens that need to be considered - bird tables, feeders, bird baths and window feeding trays will all transmit disease if not looked after and thoroughly cleaned frequently. Separating Feed, Feet & Faeces is key to protecting our wild birds. We must ensure they cannot stand, regurgitate, or defecate in the food or water they are given. It’s vital to clean bird feeders and tables regularly because if we don’t then we are literally, killing with kindness. Here is a guide to help you keep your garden clean, by Finches Friend and its ambassador, Naturalist Martin Hughes-Games. Right now, there are three main diseases affecting our garden birds that are of serious concern.

Trichomonosis

A parasitic disease that is passed from bird to bird via saliva. This happens wherever birds feed intensively, including hanging feeders or bird tables. Whilst species can become infected, Finches are the most affected. Shockingly, the British Greenfinch population is now endangered and may face extinction after falling by a huge 66% since 2006 due to this disease and other common garden birds are also susceptible to Trichomonosis. Right now, Chaffinches are also experiencing the same dramatic decline as the Greenfinches.

Avian flu

Generally passed on by birds migrating into the UK, through direct contact or contaminated saliva and droppings. This viral infection occurs naturally among wild aquatic birds, like ducks, geese, and swans, worldwide. It can however also infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species, making good hygiene when feeding garden birds, a priority. Once again, feeding stations are a potential hotspot for transmission.

What should prompt you to go for an eye test – bearing in mind this may not be just for sight, but if you are worried about anything else?

“If you are experiencing any changes to your vision or pain, redness and discomfort for more than a couple of days then you should get your eyes tested. Symptoms such as eye pain, burning, blurred / double vision, floaters with flashing lights and droopy eyelids could all be signs that something isn’t right. “Redness and irritation are often an early warning signal that your eyes could do with a bit more looking after. This can be caused by a range of factors including fatigue, allergies, over-wearing contact lenses or an infection such as conjunctivitis. Your option can advise and recommend treatment if it’s needed.

Salmonella

A bacterial infection transmitted through rotting food and droppings of infected birds that contaminate food and water. This can cause salmonellosis in garden birds, especially in seed-eating birds such as Greenfinches and House Sparrows.

HOW TO CREATE A SAFER GARDEN

To avoid the spread of disease, supporting birds responsibly means making the right choices and following the right steps. Using the right bird feeder and adopting a regular and effective cleaning routine is critical.

FOOD & FEET

Ø Keep Food Dry - Only use feeders that prevent the seed from getting wet. Bird seed that is exposed to rain and becomes wet is a more suitable environment for disease transmission. The food MUST remain dry and free of mould whilst in the feeder.

Ø Free from FEET - Birds don’t wash their feet! If a bird can stand in a feeder or water source, then it will spread disease.

Ø Choose Wisely – ensure your feeder doesn’t allow birds to stand in it. Also choose one that is quick and easy to clean. If it is difficult to do so, then you most likely won’t clean it frequently enough. Ensure it is made from a non-porous material and has a smooth surface.

“Headaches could also be a sign that you need to pay your eyes some attention – eye strain (either from an outdated prescription or too much time spent looking at a screen), can lead to headaches. If you are experiencing headaches regularly it can be easy to overlook eyes as the root cause.

“It really is important to book an eye examination if anything at all is concerning you. A good option for plant lovers is a pergola. It’s a feature in itself but growing your favourite climber up it quite literally For more advice visit www.essilor.co.uk takes the look to another level. One fast-growing option is Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), which has evergreen

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Derby Barracks, Fletcher Street, Bolton BL3 6NF www.emmaus.org.uk/bolton/ info@emmausbolton.org.uk Ø Cover Up - It should not be possible for birds to access the food with anything except their beak! Don’t allow them to walk in their food. Dirty FEET can spread droppings and therefore disease. Ø Ditch The Table - Do not use table feeders. Sick birds sitting directly on bird seed are more likely to contaminate it. Stick with a perch feeder wherever possible.

Ø Water - Many of the same rules apply. Provide clean drinking water every day and wash it properly weekly. Dirty water can stand stagnant for weeks or months making disease transmission an inevitable consequence. If you use a bird bath, avoid clay, cement, or corroded iron as they are not ideal and can contaminate the water.

As above, foot contamination is common, so as with feeders, clean and re-fill weekly.

GARDEN HYGEINE

Ø It’s also good practice to clean the areas surrounding and below your feeders and tables. Be sure to remove any wet, soiled, or spoiled food and droppings from these spaces.

Ø Where possible place your feeder in an elevated position to avoid contamination.

Ø Also, avoid feeding on the ground as this quickly becomes stale and encourages unwanted guests.

CLEANING YOUR FEEDER

1. Wear gloves 2. Remove or empty old food 3. Take it apart before scrubbing with hot soapy water and a brush 4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to leave no trace and dry 5. Treat with a non-toxic disinfectant or weak bleach solution 6. Rinse again and dry before re-filling

CLEANING YOUR FEEDER OR BIRD TABLE

1. Wear gloves 2. Use warm, soapy water to clean the top of the table ensuring that all food and droppings are removed 3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and let it dry 4. Spray with non-toxic disinfectant or weak bleach solution. 5. Rinse again and let it dry before re-filling

OTHER STEPS TO KEEP BIRDS HEALTHY

In addition to the above, if possible, it helps to provide several feeding stations to reduce the number of birds in any one spot. It’s also a good idea to rotate the position of feeders to minimise droppings and food waste in areas underneath them. Doing this, should help to create a safer garden for our feathered friends. www.finchesfriend.com