California - Possible avian botulism outbreak at Laguna Niguel Regional Park

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Possible Avian Botulism Outbreak At Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Suspected botulism victims ?all birds? are now being treated in Huntington Beach at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center.

By Debbie L. Sklar
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12:03 pm

Late monday afternoon, six Mallard ducks and one American Coot were transported from Laguna Regional Park and admitted to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center with possible avian botulism.

Rescuers estimate that around 20 more birds will be transported to the WWCC in Huntington Beach today, according to Debbie McGuire, the facility's director.

"So far, 30 deceased birds were taken to O.C. Animal Control and three more live Mallards were taken to WWCC," McGuire said Wednesday morning. "I'm told there is a broken aerator pump at the park's lake. This means that there is low oxygen in the environment, and things die off.

The water is also warm, and it can be the perfect set up for germination and more things to grow like botulism."
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According to officials at Moulton Niguel Water District, water is not the culprit when it comes to a possible botulism outbreak.

Full text:

http://lagunaniguel.patch.com/articles/possible-avian-botulism-outbreak-at-laguna-niguel-regional-park#photo-10757859

See also:

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120435

[Ronan Kelly]

California: 100+ birds dead in possible botulism outbreak at Laguna Niguel park

Dozens of birds die from disease at Laguna Niguel park
Monday, July 30, 2012


Eileen Frere

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Dozens of ducks and other birds have fallen ill, and many have died from a mysterious disease at a Laguna Niguel park. Wildlife experts are working fast, trying to flush out the toxins before it's too late.
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Over the past week, park officials say 25 sick birds - mainly mallards - have been rescued from Laguna Niguel Regional Park. More than 130 have been found dead.

"They're not able to hold their heads up, so there's signs of botulism, but it's not confirmed," said park ranger Carroll Baldwin.
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http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&id=8755497