Klamath Basin Refuge Loses 5000 Birds To Deadly Combination

Avian Botulism and Bird Flu Outbreak Kills Thousands of Birds

Klamath Basin Refuge Loses 5,000 Birds to Deadly Combination

A combination of avian botulism and bird flu has led to the deaths of an estimated 5,000 birds at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex this summer. The outbreak, which began in late July, has affected a variety of bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds.

What is Avian Botulism?

Avian botulism is a paralytic disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin is often found in decaying animal carcasses, and birds can become infected by eating contaminated food or water.

Symptoms of avian botulism include weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing. The disease can be fatal if not treated promptly.

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect both domestic and wild birds. The virus can cause a variety of symptoms, including respiratory distress, diarrhea, and neurological problems.

Bird flu can be fatal in some cases, and it can also spread to humans.

How to Prevent the Spread of Avian Botulism and Bird Flu

There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent the spread of avian botulism and bird flu, including:

• Avoid feeding birds near areas where there are dead animals.
• Keep bird feeders clean and disinfected.
• Dispose of dead birds properly.
• Vaccinate your domestic birds against bird flu.

What is Being Done to Address the Outbreak?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to address the outbreak of avian botulism and bird flu at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The agency is conducting surveillance to track the spread of the disease and is taking steps to reduce the risk of further infections.

These steps include:

• Closing affected areas to the public.
• Removing dead birds from the refuge.
• Disinfecting contaminated areas.
• Working with partners to vaccinate domestic birds in the area.

What Can You Do to Help?

There are a number of things that you can do to help address the outbreak of avian botulism and bird flu, including:

• Report any sick or dead birds to your local wildlife agency.
• Avoid feeding birds near areas where there are dead animals.
• Keep bird feeders clean and disinfected.
• Dispose of dead birds properly.
• Vaccinate your domestic birds against bird flu.