Contaminated peanuts

[Newtothis]

A few weeks ago, I saw on tv that Greenfinches have been killed off by eating peanuts contaminated by a fungus. Is it possible to get certified 'fungus free' peanuts? We used to get loads of Greenfinches in and around the garden, a few years ago, but none at all now. A neighbour of mine has been buying cheap, I think, bulk sacks for feed. I was wondering if they could be contaminated.

[alanjns]

This may answer your concerns:

Deaths in Finches and Sparrows T. Pennycott SAC 2001

Warning: Contains graphic images some may find upsetting

[Newtothis]

Cheers Alan, very interesting. I've done a bit of googleing since I asked and, among other reports I found this. Wildlife Extra News - Peanuts off the menu for UK’s birds

[john_e.fox]

Unlikely to be the problem, peanuts are reasonably well controlled these days.
For example, groups such as the Birdcare Standards Association specify
zero aflatoxin content as their standard.
( I have nothing to do with the association by the way, just googled them ).
Fewer birds is most probably due to habitat loss.

Actually the birds in our garden don't seem to like peanuts at all, they far prefer
sunflower hearts.

[Maggie28]

Was at a reserve and some of the birds looked a bit fat. Chaffinches mainly. Guy said it was a disease they get but he didn't expand on what the disease was. Wondering if it is something to do with the peanuts?