Outbreak of Avian Botulism in the Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge: Call for Help!

Information from BirdAllyX, a local wildlife rescue center:

Bird Ally X and the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge has an immediate need for volunteers to help care for wildlife impacted by Avian Botulism at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Avian botulism is a strain of botulism that affects wild bird populations, most notably waterfowl and is not contagious. This is an opportunity to learn the foundational skills of wild aquatic bird rehabilitation and help by providing supportive care for local wildlife.

Individuals who can commit to 1-2 week full-time volunteer days have the option of free housing on the refuge.

Volunteer duties will include rescue transport, handling patients for exam, preparing food, cleaning & preparing enclosures, washing dishes, laundry, and patient housing construction.

Volunteer requirements:

•Be sensitive to reducing captive wildlife stress
•Be 18 years of age or older
•Be in good health.  People who are immune compromised should not work directly with animals but are welcome to help with transport.
•Be able to lift 50 lbs.
•Must wear closed-toe shoes
•Ability to work as part of a team, be positive and have a good work ethic!

The working conditions are outside and may involve hard physical labor.  Please bring a water bottle and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

If you’re interested in helping some amazing birds, please email John Fitzroy, USFWS Klamath Basin, [email protected] or January Bill, Bird Ally X @ [email protected] 

Thank you!!!

 

Donations can be made here: https://birdallyx.net/avian-botulism-outbreak-in-klamath-basin-wildlife-refuge-call-for-volunteers/

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Joe dirt
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Joe dirt
5 years ago

This type of of disease seems to happen more on hot dry time’s with climate change taking its toll a lot of species are going to go out sorry to say allowing cattle to graze in Headwater areas is not very good for most rivers and streams although it is happening all over California toxic algae and microorganisms in the Earth all washed Downstream possibly affecting the whole River lakes and habitats for many

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe dirt

Maybe but maybe we simply identify and record it more often. Birds are reported to spread it to cattle but not the reverse. I suspect it’s really just different Clostridium botulinum bacteria and not spread either way.

curlybill
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curlybill
5 years ago

Only 250 miles from where I am.
Wish I could join up and help.

TJ
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TJ
5 years ago
Reply to  curlybill

Yeah between the distance and the be in good health part I am disqualified.