Avian Cholera Outbreak Kills Thousands of Birds In California

California’s Salton Sea was littered with bird carcases.

avian cholera
Thousands of birds died due to an avian cholera outbreak. (California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed on Tuesday that thousands of dead birds were discovered at California’s Salton Sea.

Between January 8th and last Thursday, ducks, gulls and other birds have been found dead at the south end of California’s largest lake, the Associated Press reports.

According to the CDFW, the majority of the species found were Ruddy Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Black-necked Stilts and Gulls. The cause of death is avian cholera.

Avian cholera is an infectious bacterial infection that can be spread from bird to bird through either direct contact or the birds can become infected by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with the bacteria. Avian Cholera can infect mice and rabbits but no other mammals.

The 350-mile wide lake is located near the Mexican border and is a regular stop for birds during migration.

There’s no need to worry though, officials say this happens annually as birds flock closely together during the migration period.

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