News that a highly contagious bird flu has reached Southern California prompted SeaWorld San Diego to halt its bird rescue work and has Project Wildlife implementing extra precautions as they treat sick or injured birds. The virus, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, affects the respiratory and neurological systems of birds that are sickened. It was first detected in wild birds in the U.S. in late December and early January in North Carolina and South Carolina, and has since spread across the country. Last week, the California Department of Food and Agriculture reported cases in wild birds in Los Angeles and Orange counties.