Paralyzed parrots are falling out of the sky in New South Wales, Australia. Wildlife rescuers saved more than 200 rainbow lorikeets in just one week. A bizarre illness called Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome is causing the birds to suffer. Scientists still don’t understand what causes it.
The parrots abruptly lose control of their muscles. They cannot fly, walk, blink, or swallow. Rescuers discover many are frail, underweight, and incapable of moving. Approximately 40% of sick parrots do not survive. Scientists have recorded the sickness primarily between Bundaberg, Queensland, and Grafton, New South Wales. The problem occurs every year, from October to June. The hardest months are December through February.
Searching for the Cause of Paralyzed Parrots
Researchers discovered this sickness in 2010, but it could have existed earlier. Researchers have conducted several tests to determine the cause. Experts ruled out alcohol, insecticides, and fungicides. There are no signs of infection either. The emphasis is increasingly on poisons that may arise in specific fruits or flowers. These could be naturally occurring poisons or human-made substances.
Some scientists believe excessive rain could be a trigger. Rain harms natural plants and flowers, which parrots typically eat. This may force them to explore new food sources. Spoiled or pesticide-sprayed new food may endanger the birds. Certain theories say bacteria or fungi on the fruit may also produce the poison.
In one instance, 1,500 paralyzed parrots perished in Grafton in a single season. According to wildlife carers, the birds arrive famished and unwell. Many people do not succeed, despite their best efforts. However, some people recover with adequate treatment and rehabilitation. Fluid therapy, pain relief, and nourishment are all part of the treatment.
Helping the Birds and the Research
The paralyzed parrot crisis is a major concern for animal welfare. Wildlife groups such as WIRES and the RSPCA are working hard to save them. Veterinarians and volunteers provide 24-hour care for the birds. People who discover a sick bird should carefully handle it with a cloth. Place it in a box with water and a small dish. Then contact a wildlife rescue organization.
Citizen scientists are also assisting. The public is being requested to report what they see the paralyzed parrots eating. This can be done using the iNaturalist website. The information could assist researchers in figuring out what’s making the birds sick.
Surprisingly, the same sickness affects flying foxes (fruit bats) in the same areas and seasons. Scientists believe both animals may have been exposed to the same poison. If accurate, this could indicate that the problem extends beyond lorikeets. It could also impact other animals—or people.
Conclusion
The paralyzed parrot’s condition is serious and unresolved. Thousands of rainbow lorikeets have perished since 2010. Scientists are still looking for the cause, while animal carers are doing everything they can to preserve each bird. With the public’s assistance, the mystery may be solved.
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