While there are warnings in Nova Scotia about the spread of a deadly illness affecting songbirds, officials say frounce has not yet been diagnosed in this province this season.

Avian Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that interferes with the bird’s ability to eat and swallow.

The illness is spread easily through bird feeders and bird lovers are encouraged to take down feeders when the weather turns warm.

The provincial government says affected birds lose weight, become weakened, and sometimes have food stuck to the feathers around their face.

Feeders should be cleaned and disinfected with a 10 per cent bleach solution and put back up in the fall for winter.