More than 100 sick birds from Nevada arrive at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 09/14/2018 - 3:39am
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care is known for their loving care of wildlife from beavers and owls to bears, but an arrival this week is unusual even for the non-profit based in Meyers near South Lake Tahoe.
Thousands of shore and water birds from Virginia, Carson and Swan Lakes in Nevada were recently stricken by Avian Type C Botulism. Most of the ill birds are Avocets and Ibis, and over 100 of them were brought to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care for needed attention.
A type C botulism outbreak is usually triggered when summer temperatures climb above 90 degrees and water levels start to drop. These conditions can cause a decrease in water oxygen levels, which can kill fish and water insects allowing the botulism bacteria to enter a rapid growth phase that leads to toxin production. Ducks and other water birds pick up the bacteria through feeding and often die. Affected birds are weak, unable to fly, walk or swim.
With approval from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, LTWC received the infected birds for treatment. Lifesaving measures involve tube feeding each bird three times a day until they are well enough to stand and feed on their own.
Treating and caring for over one hundred birds is a huge undertaking for their staff and volunteers, and LTWC is determined to save as many of these birds as possible.
“Efforts have proven to be successful for many shorebirds and ducks,” said NDOW Wildlife Staff Specialist Mike Zahradka.
NDOW, together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Greenhead Hunting Club and numerous volunteers, are actively trying to keep the area clear from future contamination of waterfowl.
“Crews have been working daily since the outbreak was detected, including weekends and holidays, to help alleviate the situation,” said Zahradka. “Some days we’ve had as many as four airboats to assist with the clean-up. Our efforts are ongoing and this situation will likely continue for a few more weeks until water temperatures cool off.”
This is a type C botulism outbreak which is usually triggered when summer temperatures climb above 90° and water levels start to drop. These conditions can cause a decrease in water oxygen levels, which can kill fish and water insects allowing the botulism bacteria to enter a rapid growth phase that leads to toxin production. Ducks and other water birds pick up the bacteria through feeding and often die. Affected birds will be weak, unable to fly, walk or swim.
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care is asking for the public's help to reduce the financial burden associated with the treatment of these birds. Go here to donate.
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