Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
A mysterious illness is making Southern California seagulls sick
Western gull seagulls are becoming ill, and experts are trying to figure out why.
(
Ariana Gastelum
/
Courtesy of International Bird Rescue
)
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.
-
USC found that 25% of those with food insecurity make more than 300% the federal poverty level. -
A state law extended mortgage forbearance for up to a year, but survivors say there’s far more to do. -
One of SoCal's most infamous roads has reopened, but locals don't want you to know — for good reason'The Snake,' a 2.4-mile stretch of Mulholland Drive, is known for its hairpin turns and the legions of motorists looking to tame it.
What we know
Tests indicate that the sickness is not bird flu, said JD Bergeron, CEO of International Bird Rescue.
Sponsored message
“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.
Sponsored message
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.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
