Four sea otters in California died from toxoplasmosis by a rare pressure of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, and researchers warn that the pressure could pose a risk to humans.
The uncommon pressure of Toxoplasma gondii that was studied had not been detected in California earlier than. The findings of a examine, which was performed by scientists at California Department of Fish and Wildlife and University of California, Davis, was revealed within the Frontiers in Marine Science journal this week.
The 4 sea otters within the examine had been stranded on the California coast between 2020 and 2022. The examine stated that the toxoplasmosis instances had been significantly dangerous, with excessive numbers of parasites being discovered all around the otters’ our bodies besides for his or her brains.
Researchers are involved concerning the pressure contaminating the marine ecosystem, which might pose a public well being threat.
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Otters floating on the floor, resting in Monterey Bay, California. (Francois Gohier/VW Pics/Universal Images Group through Getty Images)
UC Davis researchers say that the pressure has not been reported in humans but, however wished to warn the general public about their findings.
“Because this parasite can infect humans and other animals, we want others to be aware of our findings, quickly recognize cases if they encounter them and take precautions to prevent infection,” Melissa Miller of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated.
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Sea Otter frolicking within the kelp mattress, within the no otter zone south of Point Conception, off the Santa Barbara County coast. (Ricardo Dearatanha/Los Angeles Times through Getty Images)
“Since Toxoplasma can infect any warm-blooded animal, it could also potentially cause disease in animals and humans that share the same environment or food resources, including mussels, clams, oysters, and crabs that are consumed raw or undercooked,” Miller added.
Miller also stated that, after finding out Toxoplasma infections in sea otters for 25 years, she had by no means noticed such excessive parasite numbers or extreme lesions.
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Sea otters collect at Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, Calif. on Thursday, April 12, 2018. (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle through Getty Images)
According to the CDC, over 40 million Americans carry the Toxoplasma parasite, however their immune techniques normally forestall the parasite from inflicting sickness or any hostile signs.
The CDC recommends cooking meat to adequate inner temperatures and rinsing produce to keep away from catching the parasite.
