WIRES reports a decrease in dead lorikeets on the South Coast but is still investigating the source of the infection

Last month, tests on deceased birds conducted by University of Sydney wildlife and conservation Professor David Phalen showed E.Coli was infecting the birds somehow, and resulted in illness and sudden death.

READ MORE: Test results reveal cause of lorikeet deaths

Although there was a decrease in the number of deaths, WIRES Mid South Coast Joint Avian coordinator Janelle Renes said more than 100 rainbow lorikeets had come into care at the branch since the bacterial infection was detected.

"It is very distressing for both the public and our volunteers to see these much loved birds dying in such large numbers," she said.

"We would like to thank all those concerned residents for following veterinarian advice and not feeding native birds during this critical time and help reduce the risk of ongoing cross-infection."

READ MORE: Dog attacks on native animals spark calls for leashes

Ms Renes believed the recent decline in the number of rainbow lorikeets coming into care was partly due to the cooler weather but also the overwhelming public support in not hand feeding them.

"We're asking people not to feed birds as it can spread disease," Ms Renes said.

"Anyone who has a bird bath in their garden, please clean them every single day with bleach and a good scrub so we can make sure we stop the bacteria spreading."

The bacteria does not appear to have spread to other bird species but some rescued lorikeets had also been identified with Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD).

The public was asked to report birds showing symptoms of infection such as inability to fly, walking awkwardly or staggering, or even hunched over on a low hanging branch to WIRES on 1300 094 737 or report online at www.wires.org.au.