A heartbroken resident of Inala, a suburb in Brisbane’s southwest, is pleading for assistance after discovering over 30 magpies mysteriously dead in her front yard. The unsettling phenomenon began earlier this month when Kylie, who lives with her mother, found four deceased birds on their property. Despite reaching out to local authorities, including the council and the RSPCA, Kylie was informed that little could be done as the birds were already dead, with initial reports attributing the deaths to heatstroke.
However, the situation has only worsened, with dozens more magpies falling ill and dying in the subsequent weeks. As of Monday, Kylie reported to Yahoo News Australia that she has found a total of 33 dead or dying birds in her garden. “I don’t know what’s going on. One minute they’re healthy, and the next minute they’re just dropping,” she expressed. “It’s awful to watch. I held one in my arms last Saturday because I just didn’t want him to die all alone. He suffocated to death in my arms.”
Escalating Crisis in Inala
The bizarre deaths have not been confined to Kylie’s property alone. She reports waking up each day to find more dead magpies not only in her yard but also on nearby footpaths and neighbors’ properties. “It just keeps escalating,” she noted. The situation reached a dire point on Sunday when Kylie, armed with gloves and a garbage bag, collected 11 dead magpies in the morning, with another eight succumbing throughout the day.
RSPCA Queensland has been involved, collecting some of the deceased birds for examination. Kylie describes her property as a haven for wildlife, with magpies returning annually with new offspring. “This is their home. This is where they live, and whatever this is, it’s decimating our magpie community,” she lamented.
Authorities Investigate the Mystery
RSPCA Queensland confirmed to Yahoo News that they have taken several birds into care following reports of sick and deceased magpies in the Inala area. “The cause of this incident is currently under investigation, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities,” a spokesperson stated. The Department of Primary Industries is collaborating with the RSPCA to obtain samples for disease exclusion testing.
While the exact cause remains undetermined, authorities urge the public to report any unusual bird deaths or suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888. Signs to watch for include lack of coordination, tremors, unusual posture, and difficulty breathing.
Guidelines for Public Action
According to the RSPCA, clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds should be reported immediately. Individual cases involving seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds, or birds of prey should also be raised with authorities. The RSPCA emphasizes the importance of these reports, stating, “Even if testing does not occur, every report contributes valuable information for disease monitoring and management.”
“Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Ensure pets do not touch or consume affected animals. Record what you observe, including the location, and take photos or video if safe to do so. REPORT any unusual sickness or multiple wildlife deaths to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).”
Broader Implications and Historical Context
Meanwhile, a similar mystery illness has been affecting magpies in Western Australia, where entire “tribes” of the iconic birds have vanished from suburbs. WA Wildlife has been aware of the issue for seven years, but recent surges in cases have prompted further investigation. The disease shares similarities with botulism and other illnesses that paralyze and kill birds and flying foxes in eastern states, though experts suspect a different pathogen may be responsible in Western Australia.
A team led by Dr. Bethany Jackson, a wildlife health expert at Murdoch University, is actively researching the cause. The mysterious disappearance of magpies, known for their distinctive calls, has left a noticeable void in the soundscape of affected areas.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) has not yet received reports of deceased magpies in Inala but is now aware of the incident. “We encourage anyone with information to promptly report it to us so that we can determine if an investigation is necessary,” a spokesperson added. They also reminded the public to report wildlife deaths to 1300 130 372 or [email protected] and advised against handling deceased birds due to potential health risks.
The unfolding situation underscores the need for vigilance and community cooperation in monitoring and addressing wildlife health concerns. As investigations continue, residents remain on edge, hoping for answers and a resolution to the mysterious deaths plaguing their neighborhood.
