Kangaroos suffering from ‘phalaris stagger' across drought-stricken region
This is the moment a kangaroo was seen suffering from phalaris stagger on the side of a road.
An invasive weed known as phalaris aquatica is having a devastating impact on kangaroos, leaving them so sick they need to be euthanized.
Roos develop what's known as the phalaris stagger, a neurological condition that gives them tremors, makes them lose their balance, and collapse.
Wildlife rescuer Kate Turner told Yahoo News the current drought conditions in the Hume region have resulted in a takeover of phalaris, as it's more hardy and will outgrow native grasses.
She said that's why it's the worst this season, because it's the only grass they've got access to.
Fellow rescuer Leonie Sorrentino said it's really very sad and depressing to see.
Practically everyone we attend to, we have to euthanize.
It's horrific.
It's a shocking way to die.
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An invasive weed, known as phalaris aquatica, is having a devastating impact on kangaroos - leaving them so sick they need to be euthanised. This is the moment a kangaroo was seen suffering from phalaris stagger on the side of a road. An invasive weed known as phalaris aquatica is having a devastating impact on kangaroos, leaving them so sick they need to be euthanized. Roos develop what's known as the phalaris stagger, a neurological condition that gives them tremors, makes them lose their balance, and collapse. Wildlife rescuer Kate Turner told Yahoo News the current drought conditions in the Hume region have resulted in a takeover of phalaris, as it's more hardy and will outgrow native grasses. She said that's why it's the worst this season, because it's the only grass they've got access to. Fellow rescuer Leonie Sorrentino said it's really very sad and depressing to see. Practically everyone we attend to, we have to euthanize. It's horrific. It's a shocking way to die.
