Perth residents urged to watch out for sick magpies paralysed by botulism which can cause illness and death

A new disease is paralysing and killing Perth’s beloved magpies, prompting calls by the State Government and wildlife shelters for people to be on the look out for affected birds and link them with help where needed.

In some cases the disease — a type of botulism which first appeared in Perth in 2018 and gets worse in hotter months — is wiping out entire flocks, according to Darling Range Wildlife Shelter, which has reported a big increase in cases in recent weeks.

The shelter issued a plea for residents of Perth and surrounds to keep an eye out for any wobbly, weak or paralysed magpies and bring them into shelters if they see these conditions. ‘

Other species affected including ravens, mudlarks and butcherbirds.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said if you saw a bird that appeared to have paralysis, weakness and the inability to lift its head or fly, it may be suffering from botulism.

“The good news is that botulism can be treated in the early stages, so these magpies and ravens have a chance of survival if they receive early supportive care,” the spokesperson said.

Darling Range Wildlife Shelter liaison and support manager Yasmin Hunter said affected magpies should be easy to catch in order to be brought into a shelter.

It is important to keep note of their exact location so recovered birds can be returned to the right place, she said.

The increase in reports has prompted an investigation involving parties including the DBCA, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth Zoo, Murdoch University and wildlife shelters.

DBCA said botulism was normally associated with waterbirds, but could occur in carnivorous birds like magpies if they ingest the toxin by eating maggots which have been feeding on infected carcasses.

“More work is needed to better understand this condition, and wildlife centres and the public have an important role to play in monitoring and future research,” the DBCA spokesman said.