Since as early as 2012, incidences of paralysed rainbow lorikeets, scaly-breasted lorikeets, grey-headed flying foxes, and little red flying foxes have occurred in South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, particularly in the summer months. In recent years, the number of cases has increased significantly, with over 1,000 flying foxes, and just under 8,000 rainbow lorikeets admitted to wildlife care facilities in the Brisbane region (RSPCA).
Current research into the cause of the paralysis has not been able to identify a definitive cause, nor has it been able to identify if both flying foxes and lorikeets becoming paralysed is correlated. But due to the similarities in geographical range, symptoms, and the parallels between diets in both animals, a common cause between both animals is in the crosshairs of research. In lorikeets, paralysis begins in the legs and wings with distressed flight, inability to blink or use tongue, and eventually the majority of the animal’s movement is inhibited. In flying foxes, flying becomes ineffective, and eventually individuals will fall to the ground from initial roosting position, and become unable to climb back up or seek shelter. The leading cause of death for both animals affected by paralysis is dehydration, as the affected individuals are unable to seek water.
Wildlife Health Australia has initiated both a Diagnosis and Investigation campaign, and an Incident Preparedness and Response team. These campaigns aim to help identify the root cause and provide care for animals as the number of incidents continues to grow, particularly during these summer months. The most recent information on the cause has led WHA to investigate the diet of both species, in order to identify if a plant or fungal toxin in their diet is responsible.
How you can help:
Flying Foxes:
If you have identified a flying fox individual who is showing signs of paralysis, please do not attempt to handle the animal. Australian bat lyssavirus is a serious threat to human health which may be carried by flying foxes. Please call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625), and assist in directing them to recover the animal.
Lorikeets:
If safe to do so, rainbow lorikeets suffering from paralysis may be handled with a towel and placed into an open box or container and should be brought to the nearest veterinary or wildlife care clinic as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable handling the animal, or the lorikeet is showing signs of stuttered flight and distress, please call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625), and assist in directing them to recover the animal. Please be aware that avian bird flu is becoming an increasing threat in Australia, and that humans have been infected from animal-to-person contact. In any case where you may believe the animal is sick from another disease such as avian bird flu, to not attempt to handle the animal, and call a wildlife/veterinary professional (RSPCA) immediately, as well as the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.
If you are involved in citizen science, your contributions to observations of flying foxes and lorikeets may help advance our understanding of the causes of paralysis in these species. When making observations, please identify the species of animal. Flying foxes have two common species in SEQ, the Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) and the little red flying fox (Pteropus scapulatus). The two common lorikeets in SEQ are the Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) and the Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus). Any detail on the health of the individual and the number of individuals, if it was observed in a tree (and what species of tree), and if the animal was feeding (and what item/species of plant it was feeding on) can contribute to understanding these paralysis syndromes. Leading citizen science programs and apps include iNaturalist, Atlas of Living Australia which can be used for both lorikeets and flying foxes. eBird and BirdLife Australia are also simple and effective citizen science tools for birds.
It is important to continue to keep an eye out for any flying foxes and lorikeets showing signs of paralysis. With community engagement and understanding, the wildlife and animal welfare community can continue to help animals recover, and work towards a solution for these paralysis syndromes.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is sourced from publicly available documents and resources. New Ground strive to ensure the content is accurate and up to date, however amendments or updates may occur. For the most up to date information, please refer to the links provided.
Contributed by Blake Wilmen, New Ground