According to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Centre, many seabirds are getting sick in Huntington Beach.
The Wildlife Center said the algae that make these birds sick are “pseudo-Nitzkia, which produces kainic acid-type neurotoxins known as domain acids (DA).”
Domo acid is likely the result of toxic ash washed away into the ocean following the recent January wildfire, the Wildlife Center said.
In small amounts, DA is not a big problem, but in the case of rapid onset algae, it can reach dangerous levels.
DA, when taken by a person, can lead to amnesia shellfish poisoning, the Wildlife Center said. And in birds, it can cause imbalances, difficulty walking and flying, and seizures.
“Domo acid poisoning in wildlife can be fatal if left untreated,” the Wildlife Center said. “Look at wildlife that shows signs of pain, such as pelicans on the streets, and those that appear in places that are not normally the case.”
The Wildlife Center encourages people to take photos, and, if possible, get GPS coordinates and report injured or sick animals as soon as possible.
This is because other animals have also become ill due to toxic algae along the Los Angeles County coast.
According to the Marine Mammal Care Centre (MMCC), sea lions are reported to be ill for the same reasons, and last week dolphins also washed land along the coast.
The MMCC is operating in “crisis mode” in collaboration with a large number of diseased animals at the location.
“We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a range of services and services to ensure that we are committed to providing services that are important to us,” said Dave Bader, MMCC’s Chief Operating Officer.
MMCC encourages people to maintain a safe distance from the bound animals and contact the rescue hotline immediately if they encounter a distressed mammal at 1-800-39-Whale.
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