Since early November, biologists from Point Blue Conservation Science have documented over 80 dead Western Gulls and a few others (including 9 Brown Pelicans) from other species on the South Farallon Islands, Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Birds found sick displayed neurological symptoms consistent with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) before dying with a day or so. Carcasses from two dead Western Gulls sent to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center and a cloacal swab sample from one Western Gull sent to UC Davis tested positive for HPAI. While the outbreak appears to have slowed, one to two dead Western Gulls continue to be found almost daily. Monitoring of other species such as cormorants and Common Murres have not discovered anything unusual thus far.
International Bird Rescue reports that they have received several sick gulls that tested positive for HPAI as well as reports from coastal locations of various seabirds displaying neurological symptoms consistent with HPAI.
Point Blue Conservation Science will continue to monitor this event on the Farallon Islands and scientists are taking precautions to protect personnel from potential transmission. Point Blue Conservation Science is notifying the seabird community so that this event can be documented and personnel take necessary safety precautions if it becomes more widespread. HPAI outbreaks in seabird colonies has resulted in large-scale mortalities. Transmission to pinnipeds, which often share space with seabirds, is also a concern.
To report incidences of HPAI, use this link and notify the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) using the wildlife mortality reporting form:
