Toxic Algae Is Killing CA Seabirds; 'Extreme' Caution Urged At Beaches

CALIFORNIA — A toxic ocean algae bloom that has been poisoning sea lions and other mammals in Southern California has begun sickening seabirds.

Experts are warning beachgoers to use "extreme caution" when approaching sick or dead seabirds.

The new outbreak of domoic acid has "severely" is now infecting and killing birds such as Brown Pelicans, Western Grebes, Brandt’s Cormorants and Red-throated Loons, according to the International Bird Rescue.

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"This deadly toxin is causing avian and marine mammal deaths, and the public may find birds dying or behaving oddly on local beaches," the rescue wrote in a release last week.

Birds can be sickened by domoic acid by coming into contact with ocean blooms of algae, referred to by the experts as Harmful Algal Blooms. The toxic algae can cause severe neurological symptoms like seizures.

While some birds will not survive an infection, Bird Rescue says other birds have been able to recover under their care.

"Bird Rescue urgently needs public support to meet the demands of this crisis," the organization wrote, encouraging the public to donate to help provide life-saving care.

To make matters more complicated, the rescue said symptoms from the toxic bloom can mimic symptoms caused by H5N1 — bird flu. It also tends to resemble symptoms of a condition only seen in Brandt's Cormorants.

"Bird Rescue is having rescued birds tested for both domoic acid and bird flu, and staff are working with extreme caution to safeguard both people and animals during this outbreak," the organization said.

Bird Rescue strongly advises keeping a safe distance from dead or sick seabirds. The public is urged to reach out for assistance instead by calling the organization's helpline at 866-767-2473.

A similar event affected seabirds in LA and Ventura counties in 2017. Just half of the birds taken in for recovery made it to release, the organization said.

Meanwhile, sea lions have been falling ill to the poisonous algae and becoming "feral," the Los Angeles Times reported. An expert told the Times that it is the worst coastal poisoning event in recent memory.