Cormorants treated for toxicosis due to red tide

By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital

Two double-crested cormorants were among the 63 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions include a Northern parula, a pied-billed grebe, two Southern flying squirrels and three gopher tortoises.

The two double-crested cormorants were found at different locations on the beach; both were suffering from toxicosis (condition associated with poisoning) due to red tide. Both cormorants were exhibiting similar symptoms — they were disoriented, stumbling, and struggling to keep their balance — almost as if they were drunk. When admitted, physical exams showed the birds were slightly dehydrated and underweight.

Treatment for toxicosis involves administering electrolytes as well as vitamins and Chinese herbal supplements which support liver function. As the cormorants begin to recover they are given a specialized diet designed to meet the needs of critically ill birds. Typically they only require this type of feeding for two or three days before they are strong enough to begin eating solid fish.

What can you do?

If you see a bird struggling on the beach please take the time to offer assistance. If a debilitated bird stumbles into the water it can drown. Along with the cormorants, gulls have also been suffering the effects of red tide.

Rescue techniques are similar no matter the species you are dealing with — wear eye protection (sun glasses, reading glasses) to keep yourself safe. Use a towel or t-shirt to cover the bird’s head and body. Once the bird’s head is covered it will be easier to handle because the bird can’t see what is going on and the darkness helps keep the bird calm. Place the bird in a secure, yet ventilated container and transport it to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for assistance.

Carrying a towel with you when you walk the beach and having a box in your car will ensure you are prepared in the event that you encounter an animal in need of assistance.

If you need further advice always call the wildlife hospital for more detailed information and rescue instructions. We do not have a large staff at the hospital so we rely heavily on help from members of the public and volunteers to rescue and transport animals in need of care.

Recent Releases — 21 Animals Returned Home

• 8 gray squirrels
• 1 black-bellied plover
• 1 ruddy turnstone
• 3 Eastern cottontails
• 1 white-eyed vireo
• 1 palm warbler
• 1 yellow-billed cuckoo
• 4 raccoons
• 1 peninsula cooter

Opportunities to Help

Please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Volunteers are needed more than ever during our incredibly busy summer season. Your volunteer time, memberships and donations are vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.

Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Call 239–262–2273 or see conservancy.org.