Current Avian Botulism Outbreak in Lower Klamath Basin Heats Up

Posted on by Monte Merrick

UPDATE: 100 birds currently in care on Lower Klamath. Your support urgently needed. Please donate today

The avian botulism outbreak response on the Lower Klamath Basin Refuge was just on the verge of being ramped down when dozens more ducks turned up sick from the bacteria. Up until yesterday, 3 birds, a Mallard, a Gadwall and a Northern Pintail had been released and 2 Gadwalls were in care and improving. It was beginning to look like a much less serious year until yesterday afternoon over thirty birds were brought in to the facility on Highway 161, north of Shasta, on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Highway (more info to follow.)

To support the effort, Humboldt Wildlife Care Center/bax has sent a staff person to help with the sudden influx.

A new incubator purchased with the support of donations and grants helps make this isolated location north of Mt Shasta into a functioning wildlife rehabilitation facility.
Our new incubators first botulism patient, a Mallard in the paralyzed phase of the illness.
First recovered patients are released back into the Refuge in an area unaffected by the outbreak.

You can help too! Your material support of Bird Ally X is what allows to meet the challenges of our times support imperiled wild animals. Help save these ducks and all of our wild patients. Please donate today.


DONATE HERE

photos: January Bill/Marie Travers/BAX

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