Western Arctic Beluga and an Infectious felid disease

Science Daily reported on new information from the University of British Columbia related to a health advisory for Inuit people who consume whale meat. Scientists have found an infectious form of Toxoplasma gondii in western Arctic Beluga. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan that causes the disease toxoplasmosis (Felids [cats] are the definitive hosts of T. gondii, with all other hosts defined as intermediate hosts).

Researchers are stating that the big thaw in the Arctic is making way for new movement of pathogens between the Arctic and lower latitudes. This movement is facilitating access to vulnerable new hosts. Toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of infectious blindness in humans and can be fatal to fetuses and those people or animals with compromised immune systems.

The Marine mammal scientists from the University of British Columbia have also identified the virus Sarcocystis, which killed off grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in 2012. They stated that this virus is not harmful to humans; however it has been fatal for pinnipeds (stellar sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) , Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi), and walrus [Odobenus rosmarus]) and polar (Ursus maritimus)  and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos ssp) as far south as British Columbia.

You can read more about Toxoplasma gondi here and here.

Reference: 

SD, 2014. Science Daily. University of British Columbia. "Cat parasite found in western Arctic Beluga deemed infectious." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 13 February 2014. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140213153532.htm  

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Beluga03.jpg

Sick sea lions

Scientists may now have the answer

Since January 2013, over 1000 California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pups became ill in southern California. When a large number of pups began washing ashore injured, dehydrated and malnourished, scientists looked at algae blooms, wind pattern changes and more. However, scientists have concluded the reason may be the lack of sardines.

“The cold water conditions in the Pacific Ocean have caused a crash in the number of sardines, according to scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration” (Lopez, 2014). Sea lions depend on the oily fish to add extra pounds before giving birth. Without this food source to depend on, sea lions are forced to eat less nutritious food. In turn, this means less milk production for babies to feed on; leaving them susceptible to malnutrition. 

According to NBC news, scientists report that since April, 2013, the epidemic appears to be slowing down.

Reference:

Lopez, A. , 2014. Scientists May Have Solved Sea Lion Sickness Mystery. NBC news. Online. Available at: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Scientists-May-Have-Solved-Sickness-of-Sea-Lion-Sickness-239174191.html

 

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sea_lion_head.jpg

Zoonotic disease and human interaction with marine mammals

Risks and information

Marine mammals can be infected and are carriers of bacterial, fungal and viral organisms that are known to be zoonotic pathogens (have the ability to transfer to a human). 

The risk of contracting one of these diseases differs depending on the interaction (e.g. fishing, harvesting, research, rescue staff, marine park workers). There have been reports of food-borne illness when harvesting an animal; however the risk of disease by scientists, rescue and trainers is not as well understood.

According to University of California (Davis School of Veterinarian Medicine); the following list are diseases that have been transferred to humans from contact with marine mammals:

·         Calicivirus (San Miguel Seal Lion virus) from northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).

·         Blastomyces dermatitidis from a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). 

·         Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae from a beached pilot whale (Globicephala melaena).

·         Influenza A virus from harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)

·         Leptospira spp. from California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) carcasses.

·         Mycobacterium bovis from a New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri).

·         Mycobacterium marinum from a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

·         Sealpox virus from gray seals (Halichoerus grypus). 

Additionally, this is a list of potential zoonotic pathogens from marine mammals:

Bacterial	Viral	Fungal
Aeromonas Burkholderia (formerly Pseudomonas) Clostridium Edwardsiella Staphylococcus Streptococcus Vibrio	Influenza B Rabies	Aspergillus Candida Coccidioides Histoplasma

To find out more about each of these diseases you can click here    and  here   and here .

You may also go to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) by clicking here and searching each disease. 

References:

UC Dvis Veterinary Medicine: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/whc/MMZ/defaultnew.cfm

 

image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rescuemmc.jpg

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