Animal experts are looking into a mysterious illness affecting Southern California’s Western gulls.

At least 16 birds have been treated from the Venice, Redondo, Malibu and the South Bay areas, according to International Bird Rescue. It is unclear how many seagulls have been affected in total.

What we know

Tests indicate that the sickness is not bird flu, said JD Bergeron, CEO of International Bird Rescue.

“It seems to be more of a toxicity rather than a disease like bird flu,” Bergeron said. “Something like a harmful algal bloom or something similar.”

Symptoms include difficulty standing, partial or complete paralysis and occasionally respiratory distress.

Western gulls are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything in front of them. They are likely eating something or i

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