In recent years, sick and dying songbirds have been seen throughout the island of Newfoundland. When submitted for testing, preliminary tests have been very suggestive of Trichomoniasis (Frounce). This is unfortunate but not surprising.

Avian Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoal parasite called Trichomonas gallinae that interferes with the ability of the birds to eat and swallow. Affected birds lose weight, are weak and sometimes have food material adhered to their feathers around the face.

The parasite is spread in bird seed that is regurgitated by sick birds and will accumulate where-ever birds are feeding. Because of this, bird feeders often become heavily contaminated with the parasite. To reduce transmission it is best that bird feeders be taken down during the summer. They can be cleaned and disinfected with a 10 per cent bleach solution and put back up in the late fall for winter.

Trichomoniasis Fact Sheet (1 MB)

For more information, please visit the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/ .

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