WARNING: Distressing images below.
A mysterious illness has hospitalised record numbers of Australian rainbow lorikeets and flying foxes in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales.
The syndrome, which affects the birds’ ability to fly and eat, has been termed Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS). The cause of the condition remains unknown.
Symptoms include the inability to fly, varying loss of motion in wings and legs, hopping or wobbling, and voice changes.
In serious cases, the birds are unable to blink and swallow, causing them to die from dehydration and starvation.
The syndrome is seasonal, with cases rising during spring and summer....
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