Cairns-based veterinarian Annabelle Olsson estimated she had examined about 40 king parrots displaying the symptoms during winter. Dr Phalen and Dr Olsson have been working together with Animal Health Australia to identify the cause of the disease and any possible solutions. “There’s been a number of different infectious agents that have been associated with it in other locations, including a single cell parasite called spironucleus yeast that grows in their stomach,” Dr Phalen said. “Spironucleus, possibly in combination with another virus — we’re not sure yet — completely colonises the small intestine, which is the part of the intestine that’s critical for digesting and absorbing nutrients. “By literally coating the lining of the small intestine it blocks the nutrient absorption in these birds and that’s why they lose so much condition because they can’t digest their food properly.” “It’s well-documented that in areas where they are being fed at collective food tables, where they are sitting on top of one another, that this will spread very rapidly,” Dr Olsson said.