Southern California

Avian Botulism Outbreak a Good Reminder Not to Feed the Ducks

Avian Botulism Outbreak a Good Reminder Not to Feed the Ducks
A sick mallard receives medication in an IV to treat botulism at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach, Calif. Courtesy Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center
Lynn Hackman
|Updated:

IRVINE, Calif.—An outbreak of avian botulism is being investigated by authorities after numerous birds were found suffering from the disease along the Aliso Creek urban stream corridor, which runs 19.8 miles through south Orange County.

According to Debbie McGuire, executive director of the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach, diseased animals have also been found at Eisenhower Park and Lake in the city of Orange, as well as Laguna Woods and Lake Mission Viejo. The Care Center is currently the point of care for the birds after they’re found by other agencies or good Samaritans.

Lynn Hackman
Lynn Hackman
Author
Lynn is a reporter for the Southern California edition of The Epoch Times, based in Orange County. She has enjoyed a 25-year career as a senior-level strategic public relations and contingency planning executive. An editor, blogger, and columnist, Lynn also has experience as a television and radio show producer and host. For six years, she was co-host of Sunday Brunch with Tom and Lynn on KOCI 101.5 FM. She is also active in the Newport Beach community, serving as chair emeritus of the Newport Beach City Arts Commission, among various positions with other local organizations.
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