Salton Sea Pelican Botulism Spreading to Other Birds
A virulent outbreak of botulism that has killed or sickened 2,500 to 2,800 pelicans at the Salton Sea--including about 1,000 endangered brown pelicans--has begun to spread to other species of birds.
Although the die-off among pelicans is slowing, “it is getting worse in the shorebird population,” Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge manager Clark Bloom said Monday. “It is affecting everything down here at the sea. . . . I’m sure more birds will die before this is over with.”
A sprawling, salty lake near the Mexican border, the Salton Sea is a major retreat for migrating birds.
About 80 sick pelicans are being treated at hospitals set up by state and federal officials and local veterinarians.
Cathryn Converse, a wildlife disease specialist, said it is likely that the birds are being exposed to a toxin through fish. The disease cannot be transmitted from bird to bird and is reportedly not transferable to humans.
A powerful windstorm swept the area Wednesday and could have churned up toxins at the bottom of the sea, Bloom said.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
