Residents should remove or refrain from putting out bird feeders and birdbaths in an effort to stop the spread of frounce (Avian Trichomononsis) – a deadly, infectious disease that impacts a bird’s ability to eat and swallow.

Bird feeders and baths are considered sites of increased transmission risk. Frounce parasites spread in bird droppings and birdseed and accumulates wherever birds congregate to feed. Affected birds are weak, lose weight, and may have food stuck to feathers around the face.

While frounce is most common during the summer months, there have been an increase in sickness reported in Atlantic Canada. Laboratory analysis conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative has confirmed the presence of frounce in some of these cases.

Frounce has yet to be confirmed in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2021. However, migratory bird populations are highly connected throughout the greater Atlantic region and the disease is suspected to be present here.

Residents are reminded that there is an abundance of natural food and water available to birds during the spring and summer months.

Residents are encouraged to take down, empty, scrub and disinfect bird feeders and birdbaths with a 10 per cent bleach solution.

Bird feeders can be re-installed after the first heavy fall frost, when the risk of transmission is reduced. Mild weather conditions may contribute to frounce transmission.

Information regarding frounce and how to report sick or dead songbirds can be found on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative website or by contacting the provincial Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025, or by email wildlifelicense@gov.nl.ca. Dead birds collected by wildlife officials are highly valuable for disease testing and can aid in the monitoring of frounce in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca