Correction & Update (September 24, 2025): We had hoped this event was completely over weeks ago, but cases are still arriving in small numbers from LA County beach cities. Of the 39 gulls that have been admitted to us with this unknown neurologic disorder, 14 have been released and 8 remain in care; thus, a little more than half are recovering well. The surviving birds have had prolonged periods of recovery and several remain in care due to persistent neurologic issues such as an inability to blink normally and resultant eye problems.
Many of the birds that died have been submitted for testing for algal toxins, avian influenza, botulism, and other disorders with our partners at LA County Veterinary Public Health and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Thus far, these gulls have tested negative for everything tested for, including two of the three toxins found in the Venice Canal water (not all three of the toxins identified, as was previously reported). We are discussing with our partners what testing to perform going forward, and remain ready and able to provide care for any additional affected birds at our wildlife center in San Pedro.
Found along the Malibu coast, a Western Gull arrived at International Bird Rescue in a fragile state: not only unable to stand, but barely able to move at all. His eye was suffering from a corneal ulcer due to difficulty blinking. Had this bird not been found in time, his chances of survival would have been slim.
Through aggressive fluid therapy to flush out toxins, supervised pool sessions to rebuild strength and mobility, and general supportive care, the gull gradually regained his footing, and with it, his spirit.
30 days later, the gull was strong, healthy, and ready to return to the wild – a testament to resilience and the power of dedicated care. He was among the first birds to recover from this mysterious illness and was released back to the wild on September 2, soaring once again along the California coast.
In recent weeks, 35 sick and dying gulls with this paralytic syndrome have been recovered along the Southern California coast and admitted to Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center. Countless others didn’t make it into care in time. This outbreak drew local media attention last month, highlighting the severity of the situation along the region’s coastline.
While arrivals have slowed, more of these patients continue to be brought in for care. Once treated and allowed the time and space to slowly recover, the birds are transformed – many can now be seen flying in the aviary, regaining strength and preparing for their second chance in the wild.
Ongoing Investigation and Research
Initial tests were sent out to determine the cause of illness. Several birds were tested for avian influenza and all were negative. Tests for botulism have thus far been negative. One bird also tested negative for the three harmful algae toxins previously detected in the Venice Canals, but was found to have detectable levels of a metabolite of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a pesticide banned in the U.S. decades ago that persists in the southern California environment. Dr. Rebecca Duerr, Director of Research and Veterinary Science for Bird Rescue, is a co-investigator on a project looking at the legacy DDT contamination of the southern California ocean described here.
It is suspected that these birds are suffering from exposure to a paralytic algal toxin that is different from domoic acid and saxitoxin, the Harmful Algal Bloom toxins that affected our ocean this past spring. Results from additional tests are pending.
Often misunderstood as pests for their opportunistic nature, gulls are intelligent, adaptable, yet incredibly vulnerable when illness strikes. Their health reflects the state of their environment. Protecting gulls means protecting the coastal ecosystem, keeping both wildlife and our shores thriving. Together, we can ensure gulls get the care and testing they need – even when the cause of illness is uncertain. Your donation makes that work possible.