A mysterious illness is making Southern California seagulls sick

Animal experts are looking into a mysterious illness affecting Southern California’s Western gulls.

At least 16 birds have been treated from the Venice, Redondo, Malibu and the South Bay areas, according to International Bird Rescue. It is unclear how many seagulls have been affected in total.

What we know

Tests indicate that the sickness is not bird flu, said JD Bergeron, CEO of International Bird Rescue.

“It seems to be more of a toxicity rather than a disease like bird flu,” Bergeron said. “Something like a harmful algal bloom or something similar.”

Symptoms include difficulty standing, partial or complete paralysis and occasionally respiratory distress.

Western gulls are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything in front of them. They are likely eating something or in a place that has a toxicity problem, Bergeron added.

“It's really about the environment that they're in, the diet, and what other animals are there,” Bergeron said. “The fact that we're just seeing Western gulls and they're somewhat spread out, it puts some questions in our minds. It's just that we don't know what that problem is yet.”

Domoic acid has been an issue

While it’s unclear what’s making the gulls sick, other illnesses in animals have been attributed to domoic acid poisoning.

Domoic acid toxicosis is associated with a toxic bloom off the coast that killed brown pelicans, sea lions, and now at least two whales over the last year.

Toxic algae was also recently found in water around the Venice Canals after reports of unexplained severe illness in multiple dogs last month. It’s unclear what caused the illnesses.

How can you help?

“If we get birds into care quickly, they will have the best possible chance to turn around and get well,” Bergergon said. “The birds in care are responding really well to our medical treatments, despite the fact that we're not exactly sure what the cause is yet.”

If you see a bird in distress, you can let a lifeguard know or call your local animal control. You can also get advice at the International Bird Rescue’s bird helpline at (866) 767-2473.