Killer disease hits native parrots

Weren't Rosellas self introduced?
If so it is possible that more wild ones flew across the Tasman.

It is also possible that this is a new virilent form of a virus that has been here for years already.

You are right however this could easily spread. Parrots fly between islands in the Hauraki Gulf all the time.

Orange Fronted Parakeets were released on Motuihe when it was made pest free and soon migrated over to Motutapu and Rangitoto before the poison drops last year. That was something DOC didn't expect.

If they can manage that, getting to the mainland is a sinch.