From: "FNQ Wildlife Rescue Newsletter" <newsletter@fnqwr.com.au>To: newsletter@fnqwr.com.au

Date: 5/18/2020 2:30:09 AMSubject: Wildlife Whispers 11th Edition - May 2020

Attachments: AnimalStats Jul 2019 - Mar 2020.pdfLPS summary for vets and carers.pdfWRA Call Centre Report, Apr 2020 (FNQWR).pdf

COMMITTEE UPDATE

It's certainly been interesting times for everyone during the Coronavirus lockdown. The governmentrestrictions have made it difficult for us to function to our fullest extent, however much work has been going onbehind the scenes.

Thankfully, the Centre has remained open and able to provide much needed fauna supplies for our members. Ourmembers have also been continuing their great work rescuing and caring for animals in need.

We have had a reasonable amount of success with online training using the Zoom platform. It's not the idealoption but it's better than no training at all. So far we have had 47 people, including many of our remote membersparticipate in five zoom workshops in the past two weeks. Did you know that we have held 20 workshops formembers since December 2019? Not a bad effort, many thanks to our facilitators John & Tiffany.

The possibility of hosting a general meeting using the same format is being considered which would allowmembers outside of Cairns to 'Zoom' in as well. Stay tuned for updates.

The committee has also held very constructive discussions with Tablelands Wildlife Rescue (TWR) about waysthat we can extend co-operation between our organisations.There are a number of areas where we have similargoals so it makes sense to work together.

On another note, FNQ Wildlife Rescue has seen over 75 new members join since December 2019. It's great tosee such a lot of new faces joining the cause - welcome to you all.

Although our fund raising and community events have been cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions, TreasurerAline has done a remarkable job sourcing prizes for our trivia night when we finally get to run it - Thank you Aline.

ONLINE TRAINING - INDUCTION WORKSHOP REMINDER

An urgent reminder for those carers who have not yet attended an Induction Workshop - please remember that itis mandatory and must be completed before you apply to renew your permit in June. Permit renewals will notbe processed until you have completed this training. There are a number of courses available over the next 4weeks -

27/05/2020 6:30pm - 8:30pm30/05/2020 1:00pm - 3:00pm11/06/2020 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Please send an email to training@fnqwr.com.au if you would like to register for any of the above courses.

Many existing carers have found the course valuable - here is an excerpt of terrific feedback received from one ofour members who recently completed the training -

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"Thank you very much for giving up your time last night to present the induction course.Initially I thought it was a little strange to have to do an induction course when I have been amember for a few years now, but I am so pleased that you are insisting that all membersmust attend the course.

I found the course answered many of the questions I have had, and also helped me to understand theresources and support network that is avaiable. This would have made my task of caring for animals over thepast couple of years much easier, had I known. The content also helped to put everything in perspective, andshowed how FNQWR are moving forward in a professional and supportive way."

"Many thanks must go to John and the new committee who are making sure that FNQWR has moved into the21st century and operates in a professional and caring way. Thanks also for making reporting on the websiteeasy."

Michele

FAUNA SUPPLIES

Fauna supplies will now be charged at retail price to everyone except current holders of an FNQWR RehabilitationPermit.

As most of you may already know, fauna supplies available for purchase at our Centre are listed with two prices asfollows -

1. For FNQWR members - Cost price.2. For FNQWR non-members - Retail price.

Please be advised that effective immediately the pricing policy is as follows -

1. FNQWR carers (holding a current FNQWR permit) - Cost price.2. For anyone else - we add a small margin to help recoup costs.

A considerable amount of work goes into ordering, maintaining and keeping inventory and our thanks go to thevolunteers responsible for this. As always our main focus is to support those members/carers who supportFNQWR.

This change has been necessary to ensure that we are providing maximum support to our carers who holdpermits through FNQWR and not through other wildlife groups who do not offer the same service.

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THE NUMBERS ARE IN

President John has just put together our latest statistics for onforwarding to DES based on our Fauna Recordsdatabase. There are some pretty amazing numbers to digest. The complete breakdown is attached but there are two areas in the Fauna Records that we would like Carers to bemore diligent on. The first is the "Injury Cause" as 33% of our records have left this field blank. Sometimes a 'best guess' is better toenter than nothing. The second area is the "Species". We are aware that there are duplicates in this list and we are in the process ofcleaning it up. In the meantime, please ensure that you are selecting the correct Species type.

Apart from those small issues, a big thank you to everyone who is completing these records online.

Well done!

It's so great to see new carers doing so well. Newmember and carer Ingrid, completed the FNQ WildlifeRescue Beginner Macropod Workshop on 18th Januaryand has done extremely well with her first wildlife fosterbabies.

Staying engaged with mentors and always askingquestions has led to the successful raising of twoadorable Agile Wallaby joeys, who both came into careweighing between 250 - 300 grams.

Coming in to care a month apart, they were buddied upto promote normal wallaby behaviours and interactionsprior to pre-release where they will be grouped with anumber of others the same age in preparation for theirrelease back in to the wild.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER

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A reminder to all members that your membership falls due for renewal on the 30th of June 2020. Similarly allrehabilitation permits must also be renewed from this date.

In the past, a two month grace period was given to all members to pay their membership renewal. This has beenreduced to one month because we now use an online renewal system rather than a manual one.

WRA CALLS

Check out the April stats on calls to the FNQ Wildlife Rescue hotline number. Even though busy bird season istechnically 'over' it is interesting to see that birds are still making up the majority of our rescues.

Thanks to Vice-President Karen and Secretary John Boettcher (who is also now the WRA Training Officer andRoster guru) for their involvement in making this system work for us.

DISEASE NOTIFICATION - LORIKEET PARALYSIS SYNDROME

The following advice has been received from DES. Although it relates to Southern QLD it is a good idea for carersto be aware of the disease just in case...

Lorikeet paralysis syndrome is a seasonal syndrome which has been occurring in eastern Australia for a numberof years. This summer there has been a particularly high number of cases in northern NSW and southern Qld. The syndrome primarily affects rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus) but has also been reported inscaly-breasted lorikeets (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus). Affected birds are unable to fly, with varying degrees ofparalysis of the hindlimbs. In more severe cases the paralysis may affect the whole body and the bird may beunable to blink or swallow, and have a significant change to the voice. Less severely affected birds may recoverwith supportive treatment. Wildlife disease experts have been investigating this syndrome and a wide range of tests have been done. Thecurrent investigation has found no evidence of an infectious disease as the cause of this syndrome. Thepossibility of an environmental or plant toxin is being investigated. Members of the public who see a sick lorikeet should Call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or refer tothe Qld DES website for further advice.

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

1. Your local State/Territory WHA Coordinator2. Contact the 24 hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on free call 1800 675 8883. Your local veterinarian

PLEASE SHARE IN YOUR ONLINENETWORK

The FNQ Wildlife Food Fund is a fundraising program toraise funds dedicated to covering the cost of faunasupplies for FNQWR carers.

This fundraising initiative is dedicated solely to raisingfunds to subsidise the cost of fauna supplies for ournetwork of carers across Far North Queensland. This program will only be successful with ALL memberssupport. Please share in your online networks - https://www.gofundme.com/f/fnq-wildlife-food-fund

CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE

Next time you visit the recycler, consider donating to FNQ WildlifeRescue!

We will be putting posters up at the recycling agents in our area.

Our Scheme ID is C10130667 and it is quick and easyto donate.

Make sure to tell your friends and relatives. This is a simple wayto help us raise much needed funds for the cause.

This email is being sent to you because you are a financial member of FNQ Wildlife Rescue Incorporated. We respect your privacy so if you wouldprefer not to receive our newsletters in the future, please unsubscribe .

©2020 Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue Association Incorporated. All rights reserved.

FNQ Wildlife Rescue Association Incorporated4/114 Hoare Street Manunda QLD 4870Ph: 07 4053 4467Web: www.fnqwildliferescue.org.auEmail: SecretaryABN 28 336 727 588

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Fauna Record Statistics ‐ July 2019 to March 2020

Total Fatalities

2358 874Total In CareTotal Released

1102 182Total Animal Records

Fallen37%

Unknown26%

Collision with Object12%

Motor Vehicle8%

Weather Conditions

4%

Cat Attack4%

Unsuitable Area3%

Habitat Loss2%

Dog Attack2% Bird Attack

2%

Top 10 Injury Causes

Metallic Starling20%

Figbird17%

Agile Wallaby13%

Peaceful Dove12%

Curlew11%

Peewee ‐Magpie Lark7%

Spectacled Flying Fox5%

Rainbow Lorikeet5%

Friarbird5%

Sunbird5%

Top 10 Species

Fauna Record Statistics

Total Animals by Species

Amphibian 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 2 0.08%Bat 76 16.10% 78 8.17% 11 1.15% 165 7.00%Bird 259 54.87% 762 79.79% 851 89.11% 1872 79.39%Macropod 89 18.86% 61 6.39% 36 3.77% 186 7.89%Mammal 14 2.97% 9 0.94% 11 1.15% 34 1.44%Monotreme 7 1.48% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 9 0.38%Non‐Native 21 4.45% 39 4.08% 8 0.84% 68 2.88%Reptile 5 1.06% 5 0.52% 12 1.26% 22 0.93%Total Records 472 100.00% 955 100.00% 931 97.49% 2358 100.00%

Total YTDJul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Jan ‐ Mar 2020

Fauna Record Statistics

Injury Type

Body Injury 90 19.07% 71 7.43% 41 4.29% 202 8.57%Concussed 31 6.57% 40 4.19% 29 3.04% 100 4.24%Deformity 4 0.85% 3 0.31% 1 0.10% 8 0.34%Exhausted 10 2.12% 23 2.41% 17 1.78% 50 2.12%Explanation Required 32 6.78% 30 3.14% 7 0.73% 69 2.93%Eye Injury 5 1.06% 11 1.15% 5 0.52% 21 0.89%Feather/Fur Problem 5 1.06% 5 0.52% 6 0.63% 16 0.68%Forelimb/Wing Injury 33 6.99% 49 5.13% 56 5.86% 138 5.85%Gastric/Digestive Problem 2 0.42% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 3 0.13%Head Injury 21 4.45% 13 1.36% 10 1.05% 44 1.87%Internal Injury 1 0.21% 2 0.21% 2 0.21% 5 0.21%Mouth Injury 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 2 0.08%Neck Injury 1 0.21% 2 0.21% 1 0.10% 4 0.17%Neurological Damage 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 6 0.63% 8 0.34%Nothing Apparent 68 14.41% 180 18.85% 134 14.03% 382 16.20%Oil/Sticky Substance 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Parasite Infestation 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 4 0.42% 4 0.17%Rear Limb/Leg Injury 30 6.36% 42 4.40% 43 4.50% 115 4.88%Respiratory Problem 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Separated from Parent 82 17.37% 326 34.14% 375 39.27% 783 33.21%Tail Injury 1 0.21% 2 0.21% 2 0.21% 5 0.21%Undernourished 14 2.97% 10 1.05% 4 0.42% 28 1.19%Not Entered 41 8.69% 141 14.76% 186 19.48% 368 15.61%Total Records 472 100.00% 955 100.00% 931 97.49% 2358 100.00%

Total YTDJul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Jan ‐ Mar 2020

Fauna Record Statistics

Injury Cause

Barbed Wire 3 0.64% 5 0.52% 0 0.00% 8 0.34%Beak & Feather Disease 1 0.21% 2 0.21% 5 0.52% 8 0.34%Bird Attack 2 0.42% 14 1.47% 9 0.94% 25 1.06%Cat Attack 19 4.03% 31 3.25% 12 1.26% 62 2.63%Collision with Object 71 15.04% 62 6.49% 53 5.55% 186 7.89%Distress in Captivity 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Dog Attack 12 2.54% 12 1.26% 10 1.05% 34 1.44%Electrocution 3 0.64% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 4 0.17%Entanglement 12 2.54% 9 0.94% 3 0.31% 24 1.02%Explanation Required 5 1.06% 2 0.21% 7 0.73% 14 0.59%Fallen 46 9.75% 264 27.64% 271 28.38% 581 24.64%Fighting in Wild 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Fire 2 0.42% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 3 0.13%Habitat Loss 6 1.27% 23 2.41% 8 0.84% 37 1.57%Motor Vehicle 53 11.23% 39 4.08% 33 3.46% 125 5.30%Poison 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 3 0.13%Trapped 2 0.42% 4 0.42% 8 0.84% 14 0.59%Unknown 140 29.66% 164 17.17% 109 11.41% 413 17.51%Unsuitable Area 6 1.27% 18 1.88% 22 2.30% 46 1.95%Weather Conditions 2 0.42% 3 0.31% 65 6.81% 70 2.97%Not Entered 85 18.01% 298 31.20% 315 32.98% 698 29.60%Total Records 472 100.00% 955 100.00% 931 97.49% 2358 100.00%

Total YTDJul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Jan ‐ Mar 2020

Fauna Record Statistics

Fate

Dead on Arrival 27 5.72% 8 0.84% 2 0.21% 37 1.57%Died 99 20.97% 202 21.15% 210 21.99% 511 21.67%Escaped 24 5.08% 16 1.68% 32 3.35% 72 3.05%Euthanasia 82 17.37% 125 13.09% 119 12.46% 326 13.83%In Care 42 8.90% 79 8.27% 57 5.97% 178 7.55%Not Found 12 2.54% 26 2.72% 24 2.51% 62 2.63%Permanent Care 2 0.42% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 4 0.17%Released 109 23.09% 316 33.09% 408 42.72% 833 35.33%Relocated 3 0.64% 2 0.21% 0 0.00% 5 0.21%Reunited with Parents 4 0.85% 9 0.94% 6 0.63% 19 0.81%Transferred 39 8.26% 48 5.03% 24 2.51% 111 4.71%Not Entered 29 6.14% 123 12.88% 48 5.03% 200 8.48%Total Records 472 100.00% 955 100.00% 931 97.49% 2358 100.00%

Total YTDJul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Jan ‐ Mar 2020

Fauna Record Statistics

Species

Agile Wallaby 78 16.53% 54 5.65% 30 3.14% 162 6.87%Antilopine Wallaroo 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Australian Kestrel 0 0.00% 4 0.42% 0 0.00% 4 0.17%Azure Kingfisher 4 0.85% 3 0.31% 2 0.21% 9 0.38%Bar Shouldered Dove 5 1.06% 1 0.10% 7 0.73% 13 0.55%Barn Owl 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 2 0.08%Black Flying Fox 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Black Bittern 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Black Noddy 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 2 0.08%Black Rail 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 3 0.13%Black‐faced Cuckoo‐shrike 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 3 0.31% 6 0.25%Blue Faced Honey Eater 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Blue Tongued Lizard 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 0 0.00% 3 0.13%Blue Winged Kookaburra 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 2 0.21% 4 0.17%Bridaled Tern 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Brown Booby 2 0.42% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Brown Cuckoo Dove 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 2 0.21% 3 0.13%Brown Goshawk 1 0.21% 2 0.21% 0 0.00% 3 0.13%Brown Honey Eater 10 2.12% 10 1.05% 2 0.21% 22 0.93%Brown‐Backed Honeyeater 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 2 0.21% 4 0.17%Brush Turkey 3 0.64% 4 0.42% 1 0.10% 8 0.34%Brushtailed Possum 2 0.42% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 3 0.13%Buff Banded Rail 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 2 0.08%Buff Breasted Paradise Kingfisher 0 0.00% 4 0.42% 4 0.42% 8 0.34%Bush Hen 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Bush Rat 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 2 0.08%Butcher Bird 1 0.21% 6 0.63% 2 0.21% 9 0.38%Chestnut Mannikin 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 5 0.52% 5 0.21%Collared Sparrowhawk 1 0.21% 2 0.21% 0 0.00% 3 0.13%Common Koel 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Common Tern 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Common Noddy 2 0.42% 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 4 0.17%

Jul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Total YTDJan ‐ Mar 2020

Fauna Record Statistics

SpeciesJul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Total YTDJan ‐ Mar 2020

Cormorant 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Crimson Finch 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 6 0.63% 6 0.25%Cuckoo Shrike 2 0.42% 1 0.10% 3 0.31% 6 0.25%Curlew 35 7.42% 59 6.18% 48 5.03% 142 6.02%Dollarbird 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 2 0.08%Domestic Duck 2 0.42% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Double Eyed Fig Parrot 1 0.21% 14 1.47% 3 0.31% 18 0.76%Dusky Honey Eater 1 0.21% 3 0.31% 3 0.31% 7 0.30%Dusky Moorhen 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Eastern Grey Kangaroo 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 3 0.13%Eastern Water Dragon 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Echidna 7 1.48% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 9 0.38%Fairy Martin 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 1 0.10% 3 0.13%Fan Tailed Cuckoo 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Fig Parrot 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 1 0.10% 3 0.13%Figbird 3 0.64% 154 16.13% 49 5.13% 206 8.74%Finch 2 0.42% 8 0.84% 32 3.35% 42 1.78%Forest Kingfisher 3 0.64% 2 0.21% 3 0.31% 8 0.34%Friarbird 0 0.00% 36 3.77% 24 2.51% 60 2.54%Free Tailed Bat 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 3 0.13%Galah 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Golden Headed Cisticola 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Grass Owl 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 2 0.08%Great Bowerbird 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Great‐billed Heron 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Green Tree Frog 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Grey Goshawk 2 0.42% 1 0.10% 2 0.21% 5 0.21%Grey Plover 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Grey Shrike‐Thrush 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Honey Eater 7 1.48% 7 0.73% 1 0.10% 15 0.64%Ibis 3 0.64% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 4 0.17%Kite 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%

Fauna Record Statistics

SpeciesJul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Total YTDJan ‐ Mar 2020

Lace Monitor 3 0.64% 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 6 0.25%Laughing Kookaburra 11 2.33% 4 0.42% 13 1.36% 28 1.19%Lesser Sooty Owl 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Little Bronze Cuckoo 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Little Kingfisher 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 6 0.63% 7 0.30%Little Red Flying Fox 37 7.84% 11 1.15% 1 0.10% 49 2.08%Long Nose Bandicoot 4 0.85% 3 0.31% 1 0.10% 8 0.34%Magpie 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Magpie Goose 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 10 1.05% 10 0.42%Major Skink 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 2 0.08%Marbled Frogmouth 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Marsupial Mouse 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Masked Lapwing/Plover 4 0.85% 12 1.26% 5 0.52% 21 0.89%Melomys 2 0.42% 3 0.31% 1 0.10% 6 0.25%Metallic Starling 2 0.42% 29 3.04% 219 22.93% 250 10.60%Micro Bat 10 2.12% 10 1.05% 4 0.42% 24 1.02%Mistletoe Bird 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 2 0.08%Mynah Bird 2 0.42% 5 0.52% 2 0.21% 9 0.38%Nankeen Kestrel 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 1 0.10% 3 0.13%Northern Brown Bandicoot 3 0.64% 3 0.31% 2 0.21% 8 0.34%Northern Quoll 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Nutmeg Mannikin 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Orange Footed Scrub Fowl 2 0.42% 4 0.42% 4 0.42% 10 0.42%Oriental Cuckoo 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Oriole 0 0.00% 6 0.63% 2 0.21% 8 0.34%Osprey 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Pacific Baza 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 3 0.13%Pacific Black Duck 3 0.64% 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 6 0.25%Pacific Golden Plover 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Papuan Frogmouth 3 0.64% 6 0.63% 3 0.31% 12 0.51%Paradise Kingfisher 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Peaceful Dove 45 9.53% 63 6.60% 36 3.77% 144 6.11%

Fauna Record Statistics

SpeciesJul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Total YTDJan ‐ Mar 2020

Peacock 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Peewee ‐ Magpie Lark 3 0.64% 37 3.87% 41 4.29% 81 3.44%Pelican 1 0.21% 3 0.31% 1 0.10% 5 0.21%Pheasant Coucal 2 0.42% 1 0.10% 5 0.52% 8 0.34%Pigeon 4 0.85% 7 0.73% 2 0.21% 13 0.55%Purple swamphen 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 3 0.13%Quail 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Rainbow Bee Eater 1 0.21% 4 0.42% 2 0.21% 7 0.30%Rainbow Lorikeet 13 2.75% 22 2.30% 26 2.72% 61 2.59%Rat 1 0.21% 3 0.31% 0 0.00% 4 0.17%Red Legged Pademelon 7 1.48% 2 0.21% 1 0.10% 10 0.42%Red Neck Crake 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Rose‐crowned Fruit Dove 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Rufous Bettong 0 0.00% 2 0.21% 1 0.10% 3 0.13%Rufous Owl 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Sacred Ibis 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Sacred Kingfisher 2 0.42% 1 0.10% 3 0.31% 6 0.25%Sawshell Turtle 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 4 0.17%Scaley Breasted Lorikeet 2 0.42% 3 0.31% 4 0.42% 9 0.38%Seagull 2 0.42% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 3 0.13%Short‐tailed Shearwater 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.10% 2 0.08%Shingle Back Skink 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Shining Bronze Cuckoo 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Silvereye 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Silver Gull 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Spangled Drongo 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 15 1.57% 15 0.64%Sparrow 0 0.00% 14 1.47% 2 0.21% 16 0.68%Spectacled Flying Fox 21 4.45% 43 4.50% 2 0.21% 66 2.80%Spotted Tail Quoll 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Spotted Turtle Dove 11 2.33% 11 1.15% 2 0.21% 24 1.02%Sugar Glider 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Sulphur Crested Cockatoo 6 1.27% 13 1.36% 24 2.51% 43 1.82%

Fauna Record Statistics

SpeciesJul ‐ Sep 2019 Oct ‐ Dec 2019 Total YTDJan ‐ Mar 2020

Sunbird 15 3.18% 22 2.30% 22 2.30% 59 2.50%Superb Fruit Dove 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 3 0.31% 5 0.21%Swamp Wallaby 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Tawny Frogmouth 6 1.27% 3 0.31% 0 0.00% 9 0.38%Torres Strait Pigeon 1 0.21% 57 5.97% 108 11.31% 166 7.04%Unidentified Baby Bird 1 0.21% 4 0.42% 4 0.42% 9 0.38%Unidentified Bat 2 0.42% 3 0.31% 0 0.00% 5 0.21%Unidentified Bird 4 0.85% 11 1.15% 15 1.57% 30 1.27%Unidentified Parrot 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Unidentified Turtle 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 3 0.13%Varied Honeyeater 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Victoria's Riflebird 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%Welcome Swallow 3 0.64% 13 1.36% 10 1.05% 26 1.10%Whip Tailed Wallaby 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 2 0.21% 3 0.13%Whistling Kite 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%White Bellied Cuckoo Shrike 1 0.21% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%White Breasted Sea Eagle 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%White Breasted Wood Swallow 4 0.85% 28 2.93% 11 1.15% 43 1.82%White Lipped Tree Frog 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 1 0.04%White Rumped Swiftlet 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 2 0.21% 5 0.21%White Throated Honey Eater 1 0.21% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 2 0.08%Willie Wagtail 2 0.42% 32 3.35% 11 1.15% 45 1.91%Wompoo Fruit Dove 4 0.85% 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 5 0.21%Yellow Billed Spoonbill 0 0.00% 1 0.10% 0 0.00% 1 0.04%Yellow Honey Eater 3 0.64% 4 0.42% 3 0.31% 10 0.42%Yellow Spotted Honey Eater 0 0.00% 3 0.31% 0 0.00% 3 0.13%Not Entered 9 1.91% 17 1.78% 9 0.94% 35 1.48%Total Records 472 100.00% 955 100.00% 931 97.49% 2358 100.00%

Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome – Information for veterinarians & wildlife carers 4 March 2020 

Lorikeet paralysis syndrome (LPS) is a seasonal syndrome that has been occurring in eastern Australia for a number of years during the summer months. This summer there has been a particularly high number of cases in northern NSW and southern Qld. The syndrome primarily affects rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus) but has also been reported in scaly‐breasted lorikeets (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus). Affected birds are unable to fly, with varying degrees of paralysis of the hind limbs and wings. The birds do not usually present with clenched claws as previously reported in the literature; this is most often associated with trauma. In more severe cases the paralysis may affect the whole body and the bird may be unable to blink or swallow. 

The syndrome can be characterized into 4 categories, depending on the severity of clinical signs. All the birds usually have a typical altered squeaky voice and cannot fly. 

Category 1: the most severely affected birds that are unable to move their entire body (wings, legs, and head), are unable to right themselves when placed on their back, are unable to blink and unable to swallow. 

Category 2: birds can stand but are severely ataxic (lack of coordination) when trying to hop and are unable to blink. 

Category 3: birds can stand, are severely ataxic when trying to hop but are able to blink. 

Category 4: less severely affected birds that can hop around and can blink. 

Most birds, except category 1, will recover with veterinary supportive treatment consisting of rehydration with subcutaneous fluids (100ml/kg the first day and 50 ml/kg the next 2 days), pain relief (Metacam® 1 mg/kg IM or PO BID for 3 days), and cage rest with easy access to food and water. Category 1 and 2 require eye drops in their eyes twice a day until blinking and crop‐feeding three times a day until able to self‐feed. Once the birds start flapping their wings and are able to get a bit of lift off the floor (this usually requires at least 3‐4 weeks), they should be moved to an aviary until they have regained their full abilities, which can take up to 2‐4 months. 

Euthanasia is usually recommended for category 1 when they are moribund and completely unable to move. Euthanasia is also recommended if any bird presents already emaciated (thin).  

Haematologically, birds with LPS have what appears to be a stress differential with a moderate to marked absolute heterophilia and a moderate to marked lymphopenia and no evidence of inflammation. Plasma biochemical changes in birds with LPS include mild to marked elevations of muscle enzymes (creatinine phosphokinase, and aspartate amino transferase) and moderate to marked elevations in the uric acid. Sodium and chloride levels can either be elevated or decreased. 

Gross lesions in these birds with LPS are not specific. Birds may be well‐muscled or have pectoral muscle atrophy. Well‐muscled birds have body fat while birds with muscle atrophy do not. Heart dilation and dilation of segments of the digestive tract (proventriculus, intestines, and cloaca) are relatively common lesions. Microscopic lesions vary to some degree in birds with LPS but are generally nonspecific. Adrenal cortical cell lesions consistent with severe stress are common. Lymphoid depletion of the spleen and bacterial overgrowth of the parts of the gastrointestinal tract are also common lesions. Bacterial and fungal overgrowth of the surface of the tongue is present in most birds but its relationship to this disease is not known. Muscle degeneration is a frequent lesion. A lesion that has been seen sporadically in lorikeets with an LPS‐like syndrome in Sydney is metastatic mineralisation of tubules in the kidney, koilin in the ventriculus, and muscle. This lesion has not been found in recent outbreaks in the Brisbane area and northern New South Wales.  

Wildlife disease experts have been investigating this syndrome and a wide range of tests have been performed. The current investigation has found no evidence of an infectious disease as the cause of this syndrome. The cause of LPS is not known, but all the evidence points to it being caused by a toxin. Possible causes, including botulism toxins, environmental toxins and plant toxins are being investigated. One of the missing pieces to the puzzle to LPS is what the lorikeets are eating that might result in their exposure to environmental toxins. Observations about plants that lorikeets are feeding on during times of the outbreak are needed. 

 

If you see any other unusual signs of disease or deaths in wildlife you can report it to: o your local State/Territory WHA Coordinator o the 24 hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on free call 1800 675 888 o the Department of Primary Industries or Agriculture in the State/Territory in 

which the event is occurring/occurred o if you are a carer: your local veterinarian 

 

Dr David Phalen, The University of Sydney: david.phalen@sydney.edu.au 

Dr Claude Lacasse, RSPCA Queensland: clacasse@rspcaqld.org.au  

 

DAY OF WEEK

Sunday 27

Monday 41

Tuesday 33

Wednesday 65

Thursday 38

Friday 29

Saturday 34

TIME OF DAY

Midnight - 4 am 1

4 am - 8 am 21

8 am - noon 88

Noon - 4 pm 73

4 pm - 8 pm 77

8 pm - midnight 7

SUMMARY

Calls received 267

Calls answered (e) 95.8%

Avg calls per day 8.9

Avg time to answer 0m 18s

Avg call duration 2m 54s

WRA Call Centre Report, Apr 2020(Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue) TYPE OF ANIMAL

Bandicoot 9 3.4%

Bat, flying fox 15 5.6%

Bird (raptor) 1 0.4%

Bird (seabird, pelican) 2 0.7%

Bird (other) 183 68.5%

Echidna 1 0.4%

Frog 3 1.1%

Koala 0 0.0%

Macropod 12 4.5%

Mammal (marine) 0 0.0%

Native rat, mouse 4 1.5%

Possum, glider 3 1.1%

Reptile (snake, goanna) 9 3.4%

Reptile (other) 6 2.2%

Sea turtle 0 0.0%

Wombat 0 0.0%

Other native species 1 0.4%

Domestic, farm 3 1.1%

Introduced species 1 0.4%

Unknown species 12 4.5%

Distribution of Calls - Apr 2020

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