Over 100 sick birds from Nevada arrive at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) is known for their loving care of wildlife from beavers and owls to bears, but an arrival this week is unusual even for the non-profit based in Meyers near South Lake Tahoe.

Thousands of shore and water birds from Virginia, Carson and Swan Lakes in Nevada were recently stricken by Avian Type C Botulism. Most of the ill birds are Avocets and Ibis, and over 100 of them were brought to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care for needed attention.

A type C botulism outbreak is usually triggered when summer temperatures climb above 90 degrees and water levels start to drop. These conditions can cause a decrease in water oxygen levels, which can kill fish and water insects allowing the botulism bacteria to enter a rapid growth phase that leads to toxin production. Ducks and other water birds pick up the bacteria through feeding and often die. Affected birds are weak, unable to fly, walk or swim.

With approval from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, LTWC received the infected birds for treatment. Lifesaving measures involve tube feeding each bird three times a day until they are well enough to stand and feed on their own.

Treating and caring for over one hundred birds is a huge undertaking for their staff and volunteers, and LTWC is determined to save as many of these birds as possible.

They are asking for the public's help to reduce the financial burden associated with the treatment of these birds. To donate, visit https://ltwc.org/support/2018-shore-birds-appeal/.