Incident - Wobbly possum disease (nidovirus) in brushtail possums Tasmania

Ongoing: Brushtail possums presenting with neurological signs are being investigated in Tasmania. Signs in affected possums include docility, out during daylight, difficulty climbing, gait abnormalities, tremors, head tilt, circling, uncoordinated movement, and signs of visual impairment or blindness. These signs are consistent with “wobbly possum disease”, which was first discovered in brushtail possums in New Zealand, where a nidovirus has been identified as the causative agent. Recent testing of the Tasmanian cases has identified a nidovirus that is very similar to the NZ virus. Investigations into this event are continuing.

For more information (including biosecurity advice for Tasmanian rehabilitators) see the DPIPWE website, and the WHA Fact Sheet "Wobbly possum disease".