Warnings against infected finches

Infected bird feeders may have spread a potentially fatal parasite to greenfinches in the Highlands.

Public agency Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said there were confirmed cases of trichomonas in Strathspey.

It causes inflammation of the gullet and throat and can lead to a complete obstruction of an infected bird's upper digestive tract.

Though not transmittable to humans, the organisation warned people against handling dead birds.

David Carstairs SNH area officer, said: "The most obvious sign of the disease is birds with heads tucked under their wings and a lack of energy.

"Members of the public are being encouraged not to handle dead birds or send them to any of the main conservation bodies."

SNH asked anyone who spots a dead finch in their garden to contact the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.