Latest news with #WASeabirdRescue
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mystery over 'unusual' outbreak plaguing iconic Aussie animal
An iconic Aussie animal is at the centre of a mysterious outbreak that has left wildlife rescuers scrambling for answers. Over the past few months, dozens of black swans suffering from a photosensitivity illness have been rushed into care in Western Australia. 'This is significantly higher than usual — we typically see only a handful of cases per season. The cases tend to present during the summer months,' WA Wildlife veterinarian Dr Meg Rodgers told Yahoo News Australia this week. So far the non-profit has tended to approximately 30 birds, however additional cases have been treated for the painful and potentially deadly condition at other wildlife organisations. 'Photosensitivity syndrome refers to a condition in which the skin becomes abnormally reactive to ultraviolet (UV) light,' Dr Rodgers said. 'In affected swans, this results in painful skin damage — including blistering, redness and sloughing of unfeathered areas such as the beak and occasionally the legs and feet.' The symptoms are similar to a sunburn, Matt Watson, WA Seabird Rescue President, told Yahoo. 'It does also seem to have internal impacts too, potentially affecting the liver which slows down the swan's ability to metabolise the required nutrients from their food. If left untreated, it can also lead to secondary infections and dehydration.' The exact cause of the illness, and the reason behind this year's high infection rate, remain unknown. Dr Rodgers said the condition 'may involve the ingestion or topical exposure to photodynamic compounds', which are 'activated by sunlight in unfeathered areas'. The current outbreak could be linked to a range of environmental factors, including toxins, algae or other photoreactive compounds in the swans' habitat, she explained. Numerous sick birds have been rescued near the Swan River, but that hasn't helped experts narrow down the cause. 'There are a large number of swans along the Swan River, but these birds are highly mobile and often move between the River and surrounding wetlands, which complicates tracing the origin of exposure,' Dr Rodgers said. 'Ingestion of or contact with Moreton Bay figs has been suggested as a potential source of these compounds, though further research is required to substantiate this link.' 🦘 Rare victory in fight to protect iconic and critically endangered species 🦢 Sinister threat hiding among pelicans reveals 'horrendous' problem 🐊 Rangers make surprise find after pulling crocodile from popular fishing spot The 'unusual' increase in cases has prompted renewed interest in the seasonal syndrome from researchers. 'While there have been previous investigations, the good survival rates of affected birds and their movement between locations make it challenging to isolate a definitive cause,' Dr Rodgers told Yahoo. 'Discussions are currently underway to facilitate future investigations.' While the majority of the sick black swans have responded well to treatment and been released within six weeks, a handful have died. As the outbreak continues, locals are being urged to keep an eye out for affected birds and call WA Seabird Rescue for help. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
West Australian
13-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
WA Wildlife reports rise in mysterious syndrome harming the State's iconic black swans
WA Wildlife has reported a considerable rise in a mysterious syndrome harming the State's black swans. The not-for-profit organisation said it is treating an increasing number of black swans for a photosensitivity syndrome. 'Over the past few months, WA Wildlife has observed a notable increase in black swans presenting with a mysterious photosensitivity syndrome, particularly around the Swan River,' the Bibra Lake-based organisation wrote in a Facebook post on Monday. 'While we typically see just a handful of cases each year, we've treated over 20 swans in 2025 alone, most rescued by our friends at WA Seabird Rescue.' The birds — which appear on the State's flag — have been suffering from painful symptoms. The rescue centre said the cause of the syndrome is unknown, but claimed it could be linked to toxic exposure or liver dysfunction from environmental triggers. These factors increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Fortunately, WA Wildlife said the majority of swans see improvement in their symptoms. 'Most birds recover well with dedicated supportive care, including pain management, wound treatment and time in UV-protected enclosures to prevent further damage,' it wrote. According to the WA Wildlife website, the native wildlife hospital treats more than 6500 animals from 280 species each year. Magpies across WA have also fallen victim to a mysterious syndrome, however, this particular disease is deadly. It is estimated hundreds of thousands of the birds have suffered from magpie paralysis syndrome, also known as black and white bird paralysis, with cases rising in spring and summer. CEO of WA Wildlife, Dean Huxley, said the mass deaths 'feel almost apocalyptic'.
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
WA's iconic emblem animal at risk of mysterious syndrome
WA Wildlife has reported a considerable rise in a mysterious syndrome harming the State's black swans. The not-for-profit organisation said it is treating an increasing number of black swans for a photosensitivity syndrome. 'Over the past few months, WA Wildlife has observed a notable increase in black swans presenting with a mysterious photosensitivity syndrome, particularly around the Swan River,' the Bibra Lake-based organisation wrote in a Facebook post on Monday. 'While we typically see just a handful of cases each year, we've treated over 20 swans in 2025 alone, most rescued by our friends at WA Seabird Rescue.' The birds — which appear on the State's flag — have been suffering from painful symptoms. 'These swans arrive with painful, sun-damaged skin, including blistering, redness and sloughing — especially on unfeathered areas like their beaks and occasionally feet,' WA Wildlife said. The rescue centre said the cause of the syndrome is unknown, but claimed it could be linked to toxic exposure or liver dysfunction from environmental triggers. These factors increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. The birds — who appear on the State's flag — have been suffering from painful symptoms. Credit: Facebook / WA Wildlife Fortunately, WA Wildlife said the majority of swans see improvement in their symptoms. 'Most birds recover well with dedicated supportive care, including pain management, wound treatment and time in UV-protected enclosures to prevent further damage,' it wrote. According to the WA Wildlife website, the native wildlife hospital treats more than 6500 animals from 280 species each year. Magpies across WA have also fallen victim to a mysterious syndrome, however, this particular disease is deadly. It is estimated hundreds of thousands of the birds have suffered from magpie paralysis syndrome, also known as black and white bird paralysis, with cases rising in spring and summer. CEO of WA Wildlife, Dean Huxley, said the mass deaths 'feel almost apocalyptic'.
