Months after a neurological condition began felling magpies at record numbers across WA, scientists are are yet to uncover what’s causing paralysis in the birds, as government officials pass the buck.
WA rescue centres across Perth begun reporting up to a five-fold increase in the number of magpies, ravens, mudlarks and karawans being admitted with neurological syndromes during summer.
Murdoch University veterinary scientist Dr Bethany Jackson is working with the centre to find the cause of the paralysis condition, but said that at this stage there are no updates.
“The investigation is ongoing. Like the paralysis syndromes we’ve seen in bats and lorikeets over east it could be a long and challenging road to get to the bottom of it,” Dr Jackson said this week.
“We’re providing expertise from the microscopic level of wildlife health, examining cells and tissues of affected animals or performing tests with our diagnostics teams to get some clues as to what is happening – through to the big picture work of assembling all the information and working step-by-step to hopefully reach a conclusion.”
While researchers battle to uncover the cause of a disease that some fear may wipe out the species, government departments hand-balled questions on the issue.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) directed queries to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) who in turn said: “These enquiries are best directed to the DBCA.”
WA Wildlife veterinarian Dr Meg Rodgers said that the disease is seasonal and affects a large area, mostly in the Perth metro region and South-West.
“The birds present with weakness and paralysis of the legs, progressing to the wings, head and neck,” Dr Rodgers said.
“In advanced stages, they struggle to breathe.”
Kanyana Wildlife volunteer Vanessa Seebeck said there was a lack of funding for wildlife research in Australia, particularly given the severity of the disease on an already vulnerable species.
“Kanyana has seen 5.6 times the rate of admissions this year, compared to 2024.”
Scientists are cautiously optimistic acknowledging the limitations of initial testing.
“We have every finger and toe crossed, but we are also prepared to be very disappointed by our first round of testing not giving us the perfect answer,” Dr Jackson said.
Authorities are urging the public to report sightings of affected birds and avoid handling them. The 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on free call 1800 675 888.
