Posted on 04/15/2023 11:48:57 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Wildlife officials on Central Coast are concerned for the California condor population after an avian outbreak in Arizona
The death of six California condors from avian flu in Arizona raised concerns for wildlife officials on the Central Coast.
"The last thing we need is a population of 88 to be threatened by bird flu with no treatment or vaccine, so that's why we're taking these additional preparations,” said Kelly Sorenson.
Sorenson, with Ventana Wildlife Society, leads a team that monitors and protects the condor population locally. In 2022, they reported a low population of the already critically endangered species. They said a bird flu outbreak on the Central Coast could have dire consequences and spread quickly.
"Condors are extremely social. They feed together. They interact together at water sites and in watering holes. They roost together. It's rare to see a condor by itself," Sorenson said.
Ventana Wildlife Society says there is no indication that condors on the Central Coast have been infected by the bird flu, but the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the virus had been found in other animals in Monterey County.
"Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been in Monterey County for a year now. It's been affecting animals like pelicans, like ducks, like geese," said Beth Brookhouser with SPCA Monterey County.
Wildlife officials across California are working together to keep the native condor safe. On the Central Coast, SPCA Monterey County and Ventana Wildlife Society are teaming up to set up 10 pens to house at least 20 condors in an isolated location on SPCA property.
“Whatever the SPCA can do to help this little bit by providing the lands, the condors can have a safe place away from other animals, avoiding any sort of cross-contamination problems to keep them safe and get them the treatment they needed. We're happy to offer that,” Brookhouser said.
They hope this will keep the condors away from the avian flu, but Ventana said they still need help.
“If anyone would like to help, we need the help to keep the staff out there and the veterinary support and maybe even additional quarantine pens. So if you can make a contribution, we'll put it to good use,” Sorenson said.
Many decades ago we humans gathered up ALL the remaining California condors and assisted them in reproducing. There were only ten or so left. Once there were enough, they were released again.
Reminds me of fighting forest fires. I’ve never seen a squirrel or snake pick up a hose and fight the fire. Only humans.
That’s what separates us from the animals, my FRiend.
Spectacular birds.
Poor family ! Living bucktooth and naked up in the mountains. Now they’re dying with the flu!
Hope they all croak....Ugly things that should have died off long ago. Noooooo...man has to counter mother nature.
Put warning signs up.
Ugly birds too great wing span
I wonder if any of Fowchees gain of function experiments caused this
“10 pens to house at least 20 condors in an isolated location”
Two weeks to flatten the curve...
THEN we will vaxx any survivors
Millions or tens of millions of chickens have died with no effort to control the spread or find a cure, but the condors? Apparently the importance of chickens for feeding the human population makes Leftists happy to let them die.
Hopefully it will take out some of the human species of vultures that live in California.
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