Wildlife carers and scientists in Western Australia are investigating a mysterious illness dubbed “magpie paralysis syndrome” after hundreds of magpies were found paralysed or dead across Perth and other parts of the state. The disease, first detected in 2017, has surged dramatically in the past two years, with WA Wildlife Hospital treating around 500 affected birds in the last year alone. Symptoms include paralysis, severe weakness, breathing difficulties and inability to lift the head, with about half of infected birds dying. Researchers have ruled out avian influenza and other notifiable diseases but are still working to determine the exact cause amid concerns the illness may be contributing to declining magpie populations.