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