Countywide : Botulism Blamed in Sea Gulls’ Deaths

Several hundred sea gulls have died of avian botulism poisoning on a beach where Ventura and Oxnard meet, officials reported Thursday.

The exact source of the toxin that has killed birds in the past month is not known, said Jeff Price, chief ranger for the Channel Coast District of the state Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Our research tells us the bacteria that carries such botulism could come from such sources as animal bodies, fly maggots or even buried corn,” Price said.

“At this point, we don’t know what to blame. We aren’t aware of any corn being grown in that area, however.”

Price said rangers from his department found about 150 dead or dying birds along the estuary at the mouth of the Santa Clara River in one day in early October. The number of dead birds dropped off sharply after that, he said.

Humans are not endangered by the type of botulism that has attacked the gulls, he said, so the area has not been posted against swimming or fishing.

However, Ron Britton, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, warned dog owners against letting their animals run loose in the estuary area. “Canines can be infected by the botulism,” he said.

Price and Britton suggested that anyone finding dead or dying birds should call authorities.