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FEEDING wild birds has become a near universal pastime in backyards and on balconies around the world. But now comes evidence that this can spread disease among the very creatures it is supposed to benefit. Will bird tables go the way of another simple pleasure – throwing bread to ducks, which is increasingly frowned upon for causing a disease called angel wing? Next month a conference in London will weigh up the pros and cons – and thankfully it’s mostly good news for feeding garden birds (see “Garden bird feeders spread diseases”). Millions of squirrels will be mightily relieved.