Hundreds of rainbow lorikeets have fallen from the sky in the past week, paralyzed by a disease that researchers have struggled to understand.
More than 200 paralyzed birds were cared for around Grafton in northern New South Wales, Australia in the week to Thursday, suffering from a little-known disease called lorikeet paralysis syndrome (LPS).
About 40 percent of the beautifully colored birds will not survive their unusual disease, the cause of which remains unknown.
A bird that can’t blink, can’t eat, can’t fly
Thousands of rainbow lorikeets have been killed by LPS, mostly in southern Queensland, Australia and northern New South Wales, since the disease was identified in 2010.
Birds may appear unsteady as they hop on the ground, with varying degrees of paralysis of their legs and wings.
Hundreds of rainbow lorikeets have fallen from the sky in this Aussie town in the past week, paralyzed by a mysterious disease that has scientists worried. RSPCA
In the most serious cases, paralysis can affect the entire body and the lorikeet may be unable to blink or swallow.
David Phalen, a professor of wildlife health and conservation who specializes in LPS, called it a “significant animal welfare crisis.”
“These animals suffer terribly before they die or are killed by cats or possums who find them,” he said.
More than 200 paralyzed birds have been cared for, suffering from a little-known disease called lorikeet paralysis syndrome (LPS). RSPCA
“They are amazing birds,” added Professor Phalen, speaking to Scientific American last year.
“They are smart. They are entertaining to watch. They are beautiful. It’s hard to see them as sick as they are. But at the same time, they are fighters.”
Robyn Gray, Clarence Valley bird coordinator for WIRES, had more than 80 birds in her care this week and said “A lot of them didn’t make it.”
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“When they come in, they’re underweight and malnourished and very sick birds,” he told the ABC.
“We have professors in Sydney, Currumbin and Australia Zoo, Sydney Uni, all testing them and no one can really give a definitive answer.”
Despite the bleak outlook, veterinarians and volunteers are working tirelessly to restore sick birds.
In November, RSPCA Queensland took in four paralyzed lorikeets, whom they named Mash, Chippy, Tater and Spud.
The birds have been treated with fluids and nutritional therapy, pain relievers and eye drops to overcome their inability to blink.
“Unfortunately, Spud lost his battle to LPS,” the charity said in an update.
“However, Mash, Chippy and Tater continue to go from strength to strength. All three have shown remarkable improvement. They can now perch and even start eating on their own.”
The mystery behind the worrisome disease
Researchers have struggled to identify the factors behind LPS, but the leading theory is that it is caused by a pathogen ingested by lorikeets when they eat certain fruits or flowers.
The disease is seasonal, striking between October and June every year with the highest number of cases between December and February, which can be explained if it is related to summer plants.
“Not all the fruits they eat are necessarily toxic, so it could be toxins formed in them, maybe because [fruit is] go,” explained Professor Phalen.
Robyn Gray, Clarence Valley bird coordinator for WIRES, had more than 80 birds in her care this week and said “A lot of them didn’t make it.” RSPCA
“Or it could be [the fruit is] accidentally or intentionally sprayed with pesticides or fungicides.”
But all known pesticides and fungicides have been ruled out, as has the presence of infectious diseases.
“We still think there may be some toxins out there that we haven’t tested and that will be the focus of our investigation this year,” Professor Phalen said.
Call people to help
Researchers have struggled to identify the factors behind LPS, but the leading theory is that it is caused by a pathogen ingested by lorikeets when they eat certain fruits or flowers. RSPCA
With so much uncertainty, scientists have asked the public for help.
Researchers from the Paralyzed Lorikeet Syndrome Project have asked bird watchers between Bundaberg and Grafton to report what they see rainbow lorikeets eating.
The information presented will help narrow down the list of possible causes of LPS.
“We approach this like a veterinarian investigating a patient,” Dr. Phalen said.
“It’s just not just a patient. It’s a big group.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
