A new outbreak of domoic acid is severely affecting seabirds along the coast of Southern California. International Bird Rescue currently is receiving birds affected by the toxin every day. Affected species include Brown Pelicans, Western Grebes, Brandt’s Cormorants and Red-throated Loons.

This deadly toxin is causing avian and marine mammal deaths and the public may find birds dying or behaving oddly on local beaches.

Domoic acid (DA) toxicity is caused by ocean blooms of algae called Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). The toxin causes neurological issues in seabirds and mammals that eat anchovies, sardines, and crustaceans that have eaten the toxic algae.

The toxin causes severe neurological symptoms including tremors and seizures. To complicate the crisis, these symptoms can resemble those caused by bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza) and protozoal encephalitis (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. Although some birds will not survive the toxicity, others birds affected by DA are able to recover from the problem with expert care. In 2017 when Los Angeles and Ventura Counties had a similar stranding event, ~50% of the birds made it to release.

Bird Rescue urgently needs public support to meet the demands of this crisis. Donations are essential for providing life-saving care for affected birds.

Beachgoers should use extreme caution when approaching sick or dead seabirds. The public can reach out for assistance to the organization’s volunteer-staffed Bird HelpLine: 1-866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473).

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Media stories

Sick, stranded sea lions being found on Los Angeles beaches, NBC LA-TV report