‘Wiping out entire families’: Mysterious paralysis syndrome affecting native birds

Researchers are working together to determine the cause of a mysterious paralysis syndrome affecting native birds across a major state.

Wildlife researchers are scratching their heads after reports of “entire families” of magpies being wiped out due to unknown paralysing syndrome across Western Australia.

The neurological condition is affecting magpies across Perth and the Southwest region, prompting researchers to collaborate to determine its cause.

Common symptoms in the birds can include weakness and the inability to stand or co-ordinate movements.

In severe cases, the birds may be unable to lift their heads or breathe.

Murdoch University is working together with wildlife centres and organisations, including Wildlife Health Australia, to gather information about the affected birds, such as the geographic range, age and species, along with conducting tests to determine a diagnosis.

Researchers are conducting tests on magpies affected by an unknown paralysing syndrome. Credit: Wildlife Health Australia

Dunsborough Wildlife carer Chloe Field told the Busselton Dunsborough Times the unknown syndrome was “wiping out entire families” of magpies, and had taken in 11 birds into care in the span of 48 hours.

“This summer, they’ve just started turning up in droves,” she told the outlet, adding a colleague had reported over 100 cases of the syndrome since the start of the year.

Similar symptoms have appeared on magpies in the past, spanning back to 2018, however, the increased amount of birds affected has raised the alarm for researchers.

“In the past, some birds were diagnosed with botulism, however, there are some parts of this that do not fit with a typical botulism event,” Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute Bethany Jackson said in a statement.

“Although preliminary investigations have been conducted, and some potential causes examined, more information is needed before a specific cause can be determined.”

Dr Jackson explained finding the root cause of the syndrome was a complex and expensive task, requiring diagnostic tools used for an in-depth analysis of affected cells and tissues.

“We’re providing expertise from the microscopic level of wildlife health, examining cells and tissues of affected animals or performing tests with our diagnostics teams to get some clues as to what is happening – through to the big picture work of assembling all the information and working step-by-step to hopefully reach a conclusion,” she said.

“We look forward to diagnosing the cause of this syndrome and being able to share that information with wildlife carers, veterinarians and the public.”

Murdoch University researchers recommend avoiding contact with the sick birds, and contact a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitation centre.

“Record what you see, including the location of the animal and take photos or video if safe to do so,” the website said.

Originally published as ‘Wiping out entire families’: Mysterious paralysis syndrome affecting native birds