A surge of sick and dying Western gulls has been observed along the Southern California coastline, particularly in Venice, Malibu, and Redondo Beach. Symptoms such as dehydration, paralysis, confusion, and respiratory distress have been reported. Bird Rescue has treated around 20 gulls since July 25. Initial tests for avian influenza returned negative; however, the cause of the illness remains unclear, with ongoing testing. Possible links to ill dogs in the area are being investigated, although no connections have yet been confirmed.
Since July 25, Bird Rescue has received about 20 gulls exhibiting symptoms. Sick gulls arrive with dehydration, difficulty standing, paralysis, confusion, and respiratory distress. Some are dead.
Initial tests for highly pathogenic avian influenza were negative; results from more recent cases are pending. We don't yet know what is causing this sickness.
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