Mystery disease a serious threat to thousands of rainbow lorikeets in Queensland and New South Wales
A mysterious disease is affecting Australia’s population of rainbow lorikeets, leaving them paralyzed and unable to fly.
RSPCA Queensland has reported an increase in cases of lorikeet paralysis syndrome (LPS), which can be treated with early intervention, but many birds die if treatment is started too late.
The cause is unknown and the disease is considered one of the most serious wildlife diseases in Australia, affecting thousands of birds in Queensland and New South Wales.
Thousands of people have been left devastated after an animal rescue organization shared a photo of four little lorikeets, Mash, Chippy, Tater and Spud, suffering from the disease at a wildlife rehabilitation centre.
RSPCA Qld wildlife business development manager Jamie Blues told FEMAIL that lorikeets suffering from LPS symptoms often experience secondary incidents such as cat attacks or collisions with cars.
Rainbow lorikeets in New South Wales and Queensland are under threat from a potentially fatal disease called lorikeet paralysis syndrome.
“A mysterious toxin that leaves our sky rainbows unable to walk, eat, blink, and ultimately unable to move at all. FPS is now considered one of the most important wildlife diseases in Australia.” RSCPA QLD said.
“The cause of LPS still remains unknown. However, researchers are looking into the possibility that it is caused by eating a toxic plant in southern Queensland and northern NSW.”
Rescuers said the syndrome occurs mainly between October and June, with cases peaking in December and February.
If sick lorikeets receive treatment for LPS sooner, they have a better chance of survival, but they will require weeks or months of 24-hour intensive care to fully recover.
“Upon arrival, the team at our Eumundi Wildlife Rehabilitation Center gave Masha, Chippy, Tathera and Spada a comprehensive health assessment, starting with x-rays to ensure they had not sustained additional injuries,” the statement said.
RSPCA Queensland has reported an increase in cases of Lorikeet paralysis syndrome, which can be treated with early intervention, but many birds die if treated too late.
“Their treatment for FPS then began with fluid therapy, pain management, nutritional support, regular bed and bath changes, and eye drops to combat the inability to blink.”
Unfortunately, Spud died from LPA, but the other three continue to show “incredible improvement” and are now able to roost and feed on their own again.
Symptoms of FPS include the inability to fly, paralysis of the legs and wings, limping and swaying, voice changes and, in severe cases, the inability to blink or swallow.
“We see a lot of lorikeets at the wildlife hospital that have suffered two or three injuries, such as a cat attack or being hit by a vehicle, due to symptoms of lorikeet paralysis syndrome,” Ms Blues said.
“If you see a lorikeet that cannot fly or is not flying well, it will need medical attention as soon as possible.”
The RSPCA is urging anyone who sees any symptoms in their lorikeets to seek help immediately by calling the organization’s 24-hour helpline on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625).