Mysterious toxin is grounding iconic lorikeets

Known for their clownlike antics, lorikeets who once barrel rolled in the sun, tore apart blossoming bottle brush and filled their neighbourhood with their iconic squawk, are paralysed from taking flight.

Unable to walk, eat, blink and eventually move at all, our rainbows of the sky are suffering Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome.

Without intervention and intensive care, our beautiful lorikeets have no chance of survival.

In 2022, 3,221 lorikeets presented to RSPCA with Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS) and 389 lorikeets have already been admitted into their care in January.

The syndrome is primarily seen in rainbow and scaly-breasted lorikeets. If left untreated, the birds are unable to feed themselves and die from dehydration and starvation.

“Every summer we treat hundreds of lorikeets with LPS. The syndrome is mainly on present in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and some in Gympie,” says RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Vet Tim Portas.

“It is treatable when found early but requires weeks of intensive care for the birds.”

Thankfully, our iconic rainbow pilots can return to the wild, but this isn’t without around-the-clock care followed by weeks rehabilitation before they can be released.

Lorikeet Paralysis

Syndrome is a serious threat to our iconic lorikeets and needs immediate intervention.

If you find a lorikeet that is unable to fly, has varying degrees of paralysis, seems wobbly or is unable to blink or swallow seek them help immediately.

Symptoms of Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome:

• Inability to fly

• Varying degrees of paralysis of the legs and wings

• Hopping / wobbly

• Voice changes

In serious cases, paralysis may affect the whole body and the bird may be unable to blink or swallow

The cause of Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome is still unknown, but research is ongoing.

Dr Portas says, “We are currently collecting intestinal contents and faeces from severely affected lorikeets and working with Universities to perform plant DNA studies in the hope to find what lorikeets are eating that could be causing the disease.”

Our local western suburbs, being so close to Brisbane Forest Park and other green corridors, means we are blessed with an abundance of wildlife, particularly native birds many of which visit our gardens on a regular basis.

If you notice a lorikeet with any of the above symptoms call the RSPCA’s 24/7 Animal Emergency Hotline 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625), or your nearest wildlife

You can also take the bird directly to your local vet or wildlife hospital or the Australian Wildlife Hospital

Hotline 1300 369 652.

For more information on wildlife issues and protection visit rspcaqld.org.au website: http://www.westernecho.com.au