Oregon investigates brown pelican deaths, rules out avian flu, suspects domoic acid toxicity.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is investigating the cause of sick and dead brown pelicans found along the Oregon coast. Initial tests on two pelicans for highly pathogenic avian influenza were negative, but further testing for domoic acid toxicity and other causes is ongoing. An advisory is in place for the sport harvest of razor clams due to elevated domoic acid levels. The public is advised to leave pelicans undisturbed and keep dogs leashed.