Several sea otters have been found dead on California beaches, harboring a troubling new strain of toxoplasmosis.
along the California coast. Its population has remained relatively stable at about 3000 animals, but it faces a number of threats, including white sharks that are becoming more abundant.. The parasite reproduces sexually in cats, which excrete its eggs in their feces. The durable eggs, called oocysts, can eventually wash into streams and. Southern sea otters are commonly exposed through their diet, eating clams and other filter-feeding invertebrates that contain the oocysts.
The distribution of the new strain is unknown. Three cases were found within 25 kilometers of each other in San Luis Obispo County—toward the southern end of the sea otter’s range. An immature male was found at the northern end, near Santa Cruz, but it might have traveled a distance after it was infected. It’s important to know how widespread the new strain is, Miller says, because it could affect decisions on relocation of otters.
The new strain complicates treatment of infected sea otters—drugs used for humans and domesticated animals can help—says Michael Murray, a veterinarian at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which treats about 10 sea otters with toxoplasmosis per year. “If we have a disease that hits that hard and that fast, it may not live long enough to strand on the beach where we can get our hands on it.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Potentially deadly fungus spreading rapidly across California, CDC saysA potentially deadly, drug-resistant fungus is spreading rapidly across the United States, with California seeing the second-most cases of any state in the last year.
Leer más »
Deadly 'bomb cyclone' storm slams California, toppling trees and causing blackoutsAt least one person was killed as a wet and windy storm arrived in California on Tuesday, delivering more rain, snow and hazards to residents of the Golden State on the second day of spring.
Leer más »
New details released following deadly collision involving Texas City police officerThe Texas City Police Department has released some additional details following a deadly crash involving a Texas City police officer.
Leer más »
California Supreme Court allows building of 315 new Lafayette homes after years-long battleThe decision likely ends more than two years of litigation against the City of Lafayette and developer O'Brien Land Company over the city's approval of the 315-unit project, slated for Deer Hill and Pleasant Hill roads
Leer más »
After court ruling, California's gig worker battle takes new turnCommentary: A California appellate court ruling added a new twist to the legal and political battle over the status of gig workers, which dates back to 2004. However, the conflict is likely just shifting to another arena.
Leer más »
Why closing prisons will open a new path toward a safer CaliforniaGov. Newsom has created an opportunity for California to begin its long-awaited journey towards a system of justice rooted in prevention rather than punishment, write Cristine DeBerry and Craig Han…
Leer más »