CVET Assists in OWCN Avian Botulism Response

In the fall of 2023, CVET staff supported the UC Davis Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) in their response effort to an avian botulism outbreak in Kern County, California. Botulism is a neurotoxin produced by bacteria that naturally occurs in the waters of Tulare Lake, but was more present this year due to the large amount of rainfall that accumulated last winter and other additional factors such as warm weather and stagnant water flow. After ingesting the neurotoxin, affected birds suffer from partial and then complete paralysis, preventing them from being able to fly, walk, eat, or hold their head up. If captured and caught early enough, affected birds often have a good outcome with treatment.  

As part of OWCN’s response effort, CVET staff members provided supportive care to affected birds that were brought into the OWCN base of operations. All birds were given an initial physical exam, and provided intravenous fluids, oral fluids, and nutritional supplementation depending on the severity of their condition. Once recovered, successfully treated birds were released into the wild. In total, the response effort provided care for 1,233 birds.