Researchers warn of neurological condition impacting Australian magpies

Dr Bethany Jackson from Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute said impacted birds were showing symptoms such as weakness, inability to stand or coordinate movements – and in more advanced cases, an inability to lift their heads or breathe. 

Murdoch University researchers are collaborating with wildlife centres and organisations, such as Wildlife Health Australia, to gather information on the geographic range, species and age of animals affected along with conducting tests to find a diagnosis. 

WA magpies have presented with similar signs since around 2018, but with the number of cases exponentially growing along with the areas affected, it is vital to identify the root cause of the condition 

“In the past, some birds were diagnosed with botulism, however, there are some parts of this that do not fit with a typical botulism event,” Dr Jackson said.  

Although preliminary investigations have been conducted, and some potential causes examined, more information is needed before a specific cause can be determined.

Dr Jackson said the situation highlighted a common scenario with wildlife health events, where the novelty of problems they face and the costs of diagnostic tools that must be used, means diagnoses are complex. 

“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.  

“We look forward to diagnosing the cause of this syndrome and being able to share that information with wildlife carers, veterinarians and the public.” 

Dr Jackson said the work was made possible by the support of the many volunteers who care for affected birds, the organisations that support them, and the government agencies and Wildlife Health Australia who supported the research.  

For now, researchers are urging the public who see a sick magpie to follow this checklist: 

• Avoid contact with the bird. Record what you see, including the location of the animal and take photos or video if safe to do so. For more information, see the WHA guidance document for sick and injured wildlife. 

• Contact a wildlife rehabilitation group or your local veterinarian.  

• If you see any other unusual signs of disease or deaths in wildlife anywhere in Australia, you can report it to: 

o   your local State/Territory WHA Coordinator 

o   the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on free call 1800 675 888 

o   your local veterinarian 

o   the Department of Primary Industries or Agriculture in the State/Territory in which the event is occurring/occurred.