Birds get malaria

When a peregrine falcon was brought into Murdoch University's Vet Clinic two years ago, it showed signs of unusual behaviour.

The bird was suffering blindness as a result of haemorrhaging. It was also having seizures.

Tests found the falcon was suffering from a form of malaria.

At the time, it was thought to be an isolated incident. However, the same infection has been found in at least two dozen other birds from varying species, including falcons and kestrels.

The malaria grows as a parasite inside the blood vessels of the bird's brain causing the haemorrhages.

"It's a totally new form of malaria," said Dr Shane Raidal of the Division of Verinary and Biomedical Sciences.

He said the malarial infection carried serious implications for birds of prey in WA, particularly endangered species such as the grey falcon.

The unfunded research, which continues on a case-by-case basis, has yet to come up with a suitable cure despite trials using existing anti-malarial medications.

There is still no knowledge of how long this disease may have existed.