The Brief

LOS ANGELES - An unknown illness is sickening and killing Western gulls along the shores of Southern California.

What we know:

Affected gulls have been found along the coast from Malibu to Redondo Beach, according to the International Bird Rescue. Some have been found dead on beaches.

Sick birds exhibit symptoms including dehydration, difficulty standing, partial or complete paralysis, and respiratory distress.

Since July 25, International Bird Rescue has received 17 gulls with these symptoms.

Officials said initial tests for highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) were negative, but more recent test results are still pending.

According to the rescue organization, the care being provided to the gulls includes heat support, aggressive fluid therapy to flush toxi

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