Deadly grass phalaris a threat Macedon Ranges kangaroos

Wildlife rescuers have been forced to euthanise “drunk” kangaroos after a grass type toxic to native wildlife spread along Sunbury and Macedon Ranges roads.

Animal rescuer Manfred Zabinskas has seen a rise in the number of roos affected by phalaris. Picture: Jason Edwards

Hundreds of kangaroos are being poisoned across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges by a widespread toxic grass, wildlife rescuers have warned.

The roos and other wildlife consuming the common grass type phalaris experience cardiac problems including staggering, sudden death and heart attacks.

Wildlife rescuer Manfred Zabinskas said he’d been flooded with reports of suffering roos around the northern end of the Macedon Ranges near Kyneton and Baynton, and in Hepburn shire close to Heathcote.

Large patches were also reported in Sunbury and around Riddells Creek.

“(Phalaris) actually damages a kangaroo’s brain irreversibly,” Mr Zabinskas said.

Manfred Zabinskas is a wildlife rescuer in the Macedon Ranges. Picture: Rob Leeson.

“A lot of members of the public who get in contact with us describe them as ‘drunk kangaroos’ because they run head on into things.

“We can rescue the joeys in some cases, but kangaroos need to be put down.”

Mr Zabinskas said the State Government needed to step in “and help out”.

“Right now, it’s all being left to volunteers,” he said.

The grass is also poisonous to livestock, but Mr Zabinskas said wildlife seemed to be particularly badly affected.

Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network’s Mel Fraser said this year had been the worst for phalaris grass in recent memory.

She identified particular patches around Canterbury Hills and the Western Water plant in Sunbury.

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“I’m not sure if more people are aware to call in or we have more grass around,” she said.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning spokeswoman Lisa Gulyas said the grass could also cause ‘staggers’ in sheep at certain times of the year.

“Phalaris is a common pasture crop and when grown under certain conditions, the young growth of some phalaris grass species can be toxic to animals that graze on it,” she said.

“Currently there is no known treatment for this condition in wildlife and unfortunately animals severely affected often require euthanasia for animal welfare reasons.”

Ms Gulyas said the Agriculture Victoria website provided further information on phalaris for land managers.

The DELWP advised the public to contact a local wildlife rescue organisation or vet, or report it to its customer contact centre on 136 186.