Washington: Investigation of Gull Deaths Near Port of Tacoma Continues

By AmmoLand Editor Duncan Johnson

TACOMA –-(Ammoland.com)- The cause of gull deaths near the Port of Tacoma last month likely poses no risk to human health according to preliminary lab results, but more tests are underway to determine the source of the die-off.

“Based on what we know so far, water pollution or contamination is highly unlikely and there is little or no risk to human health,” said Dr. Katie Haman, a veterinarian for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), which is investigating the incident.

Port of Tacoma workers first reported Jan. 22 that at least 30 gulls were found dead or dying in and around Commencement Bay. The birds were all glaucous-winged gulls or glaucous-winged/western gull hybrids, some of the most common gulls on the West Coast.

At least a dozen more dead gulls were reported by the public through Feb. 5, and 31 sick gulls showing signs of weakness and/or paralysis were taken to state-licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers.

No additional sick or dead birds have been reported in the area since then.

WDFW biologists collected six of the dead gulls and …Read the Rest

Source:: AmmoLand