Mystery infection kills three kakapo

Conservation staff working to save the kakapo apparently spread an infectious disease which is killing the endangered birds.

Last week 19 young kakapo were moved between two islands off the lower South Island, even though two others on the first island had been found seriously ill over the past three months.

In the past three days, three of the transferred birds have died, at least two because of blood poisoning from a bacterial infection. The 4kg ground-dwelling birds are the world's largest parrot, and until the deaths only 86 were left.

Department of Conservation (DoC) officials yesterday put at-risk kakapo into hospital-style intensive care, flying in antibiotics, medical supplies and additional staff.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter said last night that DoC did not know what the disease was.

"Our concern is that the disease may pose a significant risk to all young kakapo," he said. "We do know that it appears to have originated from Whenua Hou (Codfish Island, near Stewart Island)."

A young male was found sick on Codfish Island about three months ago, with the same symptoms as the birds that died recently.

Even though officials had not identified the illness, they went ahead with the transfer of 19 birds from Codfish Island to Te Kakahu (Chalky Island), off Fiordland.

While rounding up the birds to be moved, a female was found with the same symptoms as the sick male.

She was treated with antibiotics, but the officials went ahead with transferring a further 19 birds.

The transfer was intended to provide a new environment and space to increase the bird's breeding success.

Before the transfer DoC checked birds for disease symptoms, and took random blood tests.

"No illness was detected at that time," Mr Carter said.

Autopsies at Massey University in Palmerston North have confirmed a bacterial infection caused fatal blood poisoning in two of the three dead birds.

- NZPA