It’s time to bring those birdfeeders back in as wildlife officials warn of the spread of frounce among songbirds.

The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Lab has confirmed the presence of frounce in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The illness is caused by a microscopic parasite and interferes with a bird’s ability to eat and swallow.

The parasite is spread in bird droppings and picked up by other birds around feeders.

Residents are encouraged to remove, empty, and disinfect their birdfeeders and not replace them until after the first fall frost.