Mild Winter = More Disease

After the mildest winter I can ever recall, there appears to be a downside as far as feral pigeons are concerned.
As most gardeners know hard winter frosts can have a beneficial effect by killing off some bugs and diseases. It seems the same goes for certain bird disease such as pigeon pox, again this viral disease only affects pigeons. I have noticed our flock of feral pigeons are currently suffering from several pigeon viruses, some of which have no cure. Perhaps the recent loss of roosting sites, combined with the mild winter have helped spread the infections. Sick birds are often slow and reluctant to fly, making them easy prey for Sparrowhawks and cats. I am currently looking after a third sick pigeon although it's chances are poor, it has a 30% chance of survival.