Experts weigh in on avian cholera outbreak at the Salton Sea
The most recent report of thousands of birds dying of avian cholera has left many looking for solutions.
The Salton Sea was home to a countless amount of birds as they migrated south. Since the sea has receded, more birds are dying. Experts said time is running out for the species.
Frank Ruiz, the Salton Sea Program Director for Audubon California, a bird, and wildlife conservation group has been a resident of the Coachella Valley for over two decades. He recalled a time when the Salton Sea was full of life.
“No more than a decade ago, this place used to be packed with a big number of pelicans many other birds. Fish-eating birds. That highly depends on these food sources. In the last two to three years, we’ve seen these numbers really decreasing,” said Ruiz.
Ruiz said the Salton Sea is essential to birds that migrate south.
“The Salton Sea is one of the remaining jewels along the Pacific flight way and to see these conditions stressing out the conditions the birds require in order just to survive, it’s very sad,” said Ruiz.
But a recent outbreak of avian cholera which killed thousands of birds has shocked experts.
Andrea Jones, the Bird Conservation Director for Audubon, said, “When they crowd to close together, you can get outbreaks of disease. Where they’re literally contagious and they’re spreading the disease from one animal to the next.”
The state has made effort to stop the disease from spreading.
“They try and get the dead animals out of the water as quickly as possible and incinerate them so that there’s no risk of further spread of the disease,” said Jones.
Better habitats and water quality is needed.
Ruiz said, “Many of the avian colonies are decreasing in big numbers. So this kind of outbreak only stress those colonies even more.”
The state established a ten-year plan to restore the Salton Sea but Ruiz said it might not be soon enough.
“Part of the plan is to build 28,900 acres of habitat. So far it has been done little. So we hope with this new administration the projects will be built at a much faster pace,” Ruiz added.
Ruiz hopes that those in charge of restoring the Salton Sea with state funds can put something on the ground before there aren’t any birds left.
