Unexplained Sickness Causes Paralysis in Rainbow Lorikeets and Flying Foxes
The condition has affected thousands of lorikeets and flying foxes.
A mysterious illness has hospitalised record numbers of lorikeets and flying foxes in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales.
The syndrome has been termed Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS), which affects their ability to fly, but the cause of it remains unknown.
According to the RSPCA, symptoms of LPS include the inability to fly, varying loss of motion in wings and legs, hopping or wobbling, and voice changes. In serious cases, the birds are unable to blink and swallow, causing them to die from dehydration and starvation.
The syndrome is seasonal, with cases rising during spring and summer.
Professor David Phalen, a researcher from The University of Sydney, said the highest number of cases occurs between December and February.
The RSPCA has identified the syndrome in nearly 6,000 lorikeets since the start of 2024, with 349 lorikeets treated since the first week of December 2024 alone.
The condition primarily affects wildlife in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales (NSW).
“Every summer we treat hundreds of lorikeets with LPS. The syndrome is mainly present in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and some in Gympie,” RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Veterinary Director Tim Portas said.
What’s Causing the Paralysis?
The cause of LPS is currently unknown, but ongoing research is being done to identify the cause.
“We are currently collecting intestinal contents and faeces from severely affected lorikeets and working with Universities to perform plant DNA studies in the hope of finding what lorikeets are eating that could be causing the disease,” Portas said.
Phalen said that current research is unable to identify whether the cause is natural or man-made. However, he said it is probable that LPS is caused by a toxin in the lorikeets’ diet.
“Researchers are now exploring the possibility that LPS may be caused by ingestion of a toxic plant that occurs in southern Queensland and northern NSW.”
He added that the seasonality of the disease suggests a “blooming/fruiting period” of the toxic plant that occurs from October to June.
Like LPS, the condition has been termed Flying Fox Paralysis Syndrome (FFPS).
According to Wildlife Health Australia, FFPS and LPS happen during the same time of year in similar locations. It is unclear if these conditions have similar causes, but the similarities are of interest to researchers as flying foxes and lorikeets share food sources.
‘I’ve Found a Paralysed Animal, What Do I Do?’
If you find a lorikeet with LPS symptoms, Wildlife Health Australia recommends avoiding contact with the bird. Instead, if it is safe to do so, record what you see, including its location, pictures, and videos.
