Bird paralysis syndrome: Experts come up short on mystery illness rapidly affecting WA’s wildlife

Doves, pigeons and even possums are all suffering from a mysterious neurological condition previously thought to only affect magpies — leaving veterinarians and researchers baffled. The condition, known informally as bird paralysis syndrome, was first identified in magpies in Sydney in 2003. It was detected for the first time in Western Australia in 2017 and cases have since surged by nearly 500 per cent. But the exponential rise in cases in magpies is not the only cause for concern for animal experts in WA, with other birds now being treated for the condition. WA Wildlife tended to 962 magpies with the condition last year, while the Perth Wildlife Hospital treated more than 500 magpies, all of which were unable to flap their wings, move their legs, or lift their heads. But the hospital’s chief executive Craig Stevens said they have now also “treated around 100 doves in the past two months”. The unexplained cases come despite nearly a year of intense investigation, with experts saying they are no closer to understanding the cause of the syndrome, which could have catastrophic repercussions for local bird populations. “In 2024 we treated 97 magpies in intensive care for paralysis,” Perth Wildlife Hospital lead veterinarian Yasmine Hunter said. “Last year, that number increased five-fold. When they’re struck with it, they’re completely debilitated.” A Murdoch University research team, led by senior lecturer in veterinary medicine Dr Flaminia Coiacetto, has been investigating bird paralysis syndrome since April last year. So far, they’ve ruled out pathogens, toxins, parasites, pesticides, and herbicides. “None of the abnormalities we’re seeing are consistent,” Dr Coiacetto said. “It’s frustrating — even after all this research, the lab tests are still vague.” She also believes the number of recorded cases are likely only a fraction of affected birds. “That doesn’t account for the ones no one finds or that die before they reach care. The real number is probably much higher.” Dr Coiacetto said symptoms in doves differ slightly from magpies, making it difficult to confirm whether the same illness is spreading between species. But they are confident there is no evidence the syndrome poses any risk to humans. Meg Rogers a vet and manager at WA Wildlife Hospital, said though birds remain the most commonly affected, a small number of possums are being impacted by “a similar neurological syndrome”. She says the similar illness, seen in western ringtail possums in particular was still under investigation, and it appeared there were no “simple answers” to the cause. Most birds suffering with severe paralysis die within 24 hours but about 60 per cent of those admitted early survive intensive treatment. Perth Wildlife Hospital is currently treating more than 30 birds with the condition which requires round-the-clock feeding, fluid administration, and airway clearing. Staff say the labour intensive treatment diverts critical resources from other injured wildlife. Magpies play a vital ecological role as insectivores, controlling beetle, moth and caterpillar populations. Their decline could allow pests to flourish, disrupting suburban gardens and agriculture, experts say. “Whole ecosystems will be impacted — everything will get thrown off,” Dr Hunter said of the syndrome spreading. With additional species now seemingly affected by the condition wildlife carers are calling on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to take the growing crisis more seriously. A department spokesperson said though it had no plans for a population survey, staff were in regular contact with licensed wildlife rehabilitators including WA Wildlife and Perth Wildlife Hospital, with opportunities for State funding possible in the future. Researchers fear the outbreak could be an early warning that Perth’s suburban growth is increasingly dangerous for native species. A University of Western Australia study last year found urban noise disrupts magpie communication, forcing birds to delay calls until quiet periods — often missing opportunities to warn or coordinate with others. The same research showed magpies’ cognitive performance declines under heat stress, which is most severe in built-up urban environments. That, scientists suggest, could leave these already vulnerable birds with fewer defences against emerging threats. Anyone finding sick animals, including magpies, doves or possums showing signs of paralysis, is asked to phone the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.