❓ Hon Amanda Dorn questions the Minister for the Environment regarding the surge in Magpie Paralysis Syndrome (MPS) cases and the lack of state funding for investigation and rehabilitation. The Minister acknowledges the increase in cases and ongoing research but doesn't commit to specific funding or a state-led response.
AnsweredQoN 145Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Magpie paralysis syndrome
145. Hon Amanda Dorn to
the Minister for the Environment:
Magpie paralysis
syndrome cases have surged by nearly 500% since 2017, but no state funding
exists for ongoing wildlife disease investigation or rehabilitation.
(1) Will the minister commit state
funding for ongoing wildlife disease investigation and direct financial support
for wildlife rehabilitation organisations responding to MPS and, if so, when, and
if not, why not?
(2) Will the minister establish a
state-led coordinated response to address MPS and, if not, why not?
145. Hon Amanda Dorn to
the Minister for the Environment:
Magpie paralysis
syndrome cases have surged by nearly 500% since 2017, but no state funding
exists for ongoing wildlife disease investigation or rehabilitation.
(1) Will the minister commit state
funding for ongoing wildlife disease investigation and direct financial support
for wildlife rehabilitation organisations responding to MPS and, if so, when, and
if not, why not?
(2) Will the minister establish a
state-led coordinated response to address MPS and, if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
I
thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions is aware of the steady increase in reported cases
of sick black and white birds, the majority of which have been magpies, over
the last five years. While the cause remains unknown, symptoms appear to be
neurological in nature. Comprehensive research is being undertaken by
veterinarians and university researchers, including from WA Wildlife and
Murdoch University, to identify potential causes of the condition. No cause has
yet been identified. The WA Government, through the Department of Primary
Industries and Regional Development, offers grants to support the welfare of
fauna and companion animals through not-for-profit initiatives, including
wildlife rehabilitation.
thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions is aware of the steady increase in reported cases
of sick black and white birds, the majority of which have been magpies, over
the last five years. While the cause remains unknown, symptoms appear to be
neurological in nature. Comprehensive research is being undertaken by
veterinarians and university researchers, including from WA Wildlife and
Murdoch University, to identify potential causes of the condition. No cause has
yet been identified. The WA Government, through the Department of Primary
Industries and Regional Development, offers grants to support the welfare of
fauna and companion animals through not-for-profit initiatives, including
wildlife rehabilitation.
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