Drought Could Produce Bird Die-off

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking property owners to report waterfowl deaths because of an increased possibility of disease outbreaks in the birds.

Current drought conditions could lead to an increase in avian botulism and the deaths of thousands of waterfowl, according to the CDFW.

Wildlife officials said outbreaks of avian botulism typically occur when wetland temperatures are very warm and there is rotting vegetation that bacteria can feed upon, decreasing the oxygen level in the water.

Outbreaks can cause substantial localized mortality in waterfowl. Previous outbreaks of avian botulism in California have been responsible for as many as 46,000 deaths in a single event, according to the CDFW.

Symptoms of avian botulism include involuntary muscle contractions or convulsions, limp wings, a limp neck, paralysis and birds propelling themselves through water with their wings.

The CDFW is asking property owners to monitor their properties for waterfowl mortality and to report possible outbreaks to the CDFW’s Wildlife Investigations Lab at (916) 358-2790.

--Bay City News