Mysterious sickness affecting sea gulls in Southern California – NBC Los Angeles
An unknown sickness is sickening and killing Southern California sea gulls, a chook rescue group mentioned on Tuesday.
San Pedro-based Worldwide Chicken Rescue says there’s been an “uncommon surge” of sick and dying Western gulls alongside the realm’s shores. Because the group scrambles to deal with the affected birds, state and county companies are investigating potential environmental toxins because the perpetrator.
The ailing gulls have been discovered on a stretch from Malibu to Redondo Seashore, in keeping with Worldwide Chicken Rescue.
“Affected gulls are arriving with signs that embrace dehydration, problem standing, partial or full paralysis, confusion, problem blinking, and, in essentially the most extreme instances, respiratory misery,” the group mentioned in a information launch. “Some birds have been discovered lifeless on seashores. Since July 25, Chicken Rescue has acquired 17 gulls exhibiting signs. Preliminary checks for Extremely Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or just `chook flu,’ had been destructive; outcomes from newer instances are pending.”
JD Bergeron, CEO of Chicken Rescue, mentioned his group is dedicated to caring for the birds. The non-profit group is funded by way of donations and staffed by volunteers.
The California Division of Fish and Wildlife and the L.A. County Division of Veterinary Public Well being are actively investigating the reason for the birds’ illness.
The affected gulls get “warmth assist, aggressive fluid remedy to flush toxins, supervised pool time and common supportive care.”
“No anti-seizure medicines have been required to date,” in keeping with the rescue group. “Birds that survive the preliminary essential interval are displaying encouraging indicators of restoration.”
Dr. Rebecca Duerr, director of analysis and veterinary science at Worldwide Chicken Rescue, mentioned she suspects some type of poisonous agent is concerned versus a contagious illness.
“The earlier they get assist, the higher their possibilities of survival,” she mentioned.
It is potential that the gulls are being affected by the identical factor that is killed and sickened canines who’ve visited the Venice Canals, in keeping with Chicken Rescue.
“Till the trigger or brokers are recognized, no connection may be confirmed,” the group mentioned.
Anybody who comes throughout a seabird in misery ought to search for signs like problem strolling or standing, or permitting folks to method.
“Discovering birds in uncommon and unsafe areas and conditions is a transparent signal they need assistance,” officers mentioned. “The general public can play an important position in reporting these birds to their native animal management.”
Help is offered by way of the group’s Chicken HelpLine at 866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473). Donations may be made on-line.
