Southern California Seagulls Overwhelmed by Mysterious Illness Linked to Algal Toxins

Unusual Surge in Sick Seagulls

• 🚨 International Bird Rescue is treating an unusual surge of sick and dying Western Gulls along the Southern California coast.
• 📅 The increase in affected birds has been observed since July 25th, with sightings from Malibu to Redondo Beach.

Symptoms and Potential Causes

• 🧠 Symptoms observed in the gulls include dehydration, difficulty standing, confusion, partial or complete paralysis, and respiratory distress.
• 🧪 While avian influenza has been ruled out, experts suspect the illness may be related to toxins produced by algae that the birds have ingested.
• ⚠️ State and county agencies are investigating potential environmental toxins as the cause.

Treatment and Recovery

• 💧 Birds that survive the initial critical period are receiving fluid therapy to flush toxins, supplemental nutrition, supervised pool time, and general supportive care.
• ✨ Some surviving birds are showing encouraging signs of recovery.

Potential Link to Dog Illnesses

• 🐶 Officials are investigating a possible connection between the seagull illness and the deaths of at least 5 dogs and sickness in over two dozen others in the Venice Canals.
• 🧪 Testing on Venice Canal water, algae, and scum did reveal toxins produced by algae, though this has not been confirmed as the cause of the dogs' illness.

Public Guidance

• 📞 If you find a sick seagull, you can contact International Bird Rescue or Animal Control.
• 💖 The rescue organization is also seeking help if you wish to contribute to their efforts.