The Buzz - Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome

Lorikeet paralysis syndrome (LPS) is a seasonal syndrome that has been occurring in eastern Australia for at least 10 years during the summer months. This summer there has been a particularly high number of cases in southern Qld.
The syndrome primarily affects rainbow lorikeets and scaly-breasted lorikeets. Affected birds are unable to fly, with varying degrees of paralysis of the legs and wings. In more severe cases the paralysis may affect the whole body and the bird may be unable to blink or swallow.
We are currently collecting intestinal contents and faeces from severely affected lorikeets to perform plant DNA studies in the hope to find what lorikeets are eating that could be causing the disease.
Find out more: www.rspcaqld.o...

[@Pea_Green]

My darling girl had this . . she was found in our backyard, we got her treated by a very prominent bird vet and she survived for 13 years and was the light of my life. Sadly, she never got full mobility but she had a fabulous life and was well loved. I miss her so much.

[@jennifermcmartin4518]

Thanks for the education and caring for these beauties

[@Dj_Dynamiks]

We're carers with Gladstone District Wildlife Rescue...The LPS is definitely getting further north... we've had about 10 cases of LPS reported to us in Gladstone this weekend alone.. We've personally looked after 6 birds - 3 have not made it through two days, 3 are being cared for the best we know how... It's bloody heart breaking when you get a bird that wants to swallow but can't.. The vet is going to be busy tomorrow :( :(

[@kbbrars]

You are a great person who helped innocent birds 🐦

[@nicolamcl4484]

Theres a lot in Port Macquarie NSW getting this. I have found two alone on my street that WIRES couldn't save unfortunately.

[@J_L45]

I just rescued one yesterday with this syndrome. The day before the rescue I noted council spraying weed spray. Could Glyphosate be the culprit.? 😢 ☠️ Bird was found in NAMBOUR.

[@inveritategloria]

Oh my God! Indeed, it could be glyphosate. I upsets me so much I can't watch.

[@rayoflightgeneral7988]

They spray a lot for fire ants. In the past year, they really ramped it up. Too much poison 😒

[@BrekMartin]

I’m glad they have the RSPCA. I’m sure I’ve seen this now I know what it is.

[@AUSSIESPANIARD]

found small shaves of Avocado seeds in my rescued lorikeets

[@maryamhgh7730]

Thank you for this video. I found a rainbow lorikeet yesterday under a tree and I took it to vet. I was looking to find out what happens when they paralysed, do they heal or die. Now I know it is best to call rspca or other organisation for wild life.

[@bretthaslam677]

What about water pollution and pesticides?

[@essejd]

Hi. My Rainbow has just become ill We have moved to a new home in WA and the only trees he has been on is the Jacaranda, Plum and the neighbours Hibiscus There is another plant/tree but I am unsure of what it is I'm going to rest him up today but he still unwell tomorrow I will take him to the vet

[@hamedsadredini8894]

I'm living in WA. I found a lorikeet about two months ago and took it to a rescue hospital in Bibra Lake, but they told me that in WA, lorikeets are considered pests, so they euthanize sick birds. I brought it back home. It couldn't fly but was eating well and walking around until two days ago, when it stopped moving and just sat on the bottom of the cage. I'm trying to feed it by syringe, but I really don't know what to do. What did the vet tell you about your bird?

[@essejd]

@hamedsadredini8894 hi. I ended up calling Monash University and they said the same thing in regards to 'pests' I totally cannot believe it (but that is the laws here) Whilst on the phone asking for a bird vet in my area my beautiful 'Bird' died That was truly horrific He was an awesome bird. We all loved him Do you have a wildlife carer in your area? I think she/he may be the ones to help. I do so hope hope he will be fine❤️

[@gregorybullion8055]

Could it be caused by the poison they use in the Fire Ant Treatment they so freely use

[@Totallyruggedd]

It's the light yellow plant in the Parm tree

[@JaposFamily]

Mangoes? I'm sure I see a ton of lorikeets perched on my mangoes every Summer then at least a dozen lying around stray cats killing them when they can't fly I've only seen it the last 4 or 5 years.

[@daltoniks]

my lorrie is loosing feders around the neck. Just don't know what to do, she was always on best food, diet, nectar, honey... :I((

[@imeldapopodopolus8172]

I wonder if this is because people are feeding them inappropriately

[@RSPCAQLD]

Hi Imelda, there are many possible explanations. Since the greatest number of affected birds come in after rain events in the warm weather, it's mostly likely related to a plant or something that could change with the weather.

[@AUSSIESPANIARD]

Could it be feeding from avocado?