Ill Sea Lions Washed Up on Oregon Coasts Imposing Risk to Human and Other Animals

Wildlife officials report an outbreak of ill sea lions trapped throughout the whole Oregon coast. The illness driving the epidemic is leptospirosis, a naturally occurring virus that can appear intermittently in marine animals, according to a press release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

As per authorities, the bacterium may make dogs, humans, other creatures, and cattle sick. Whereas the risk to humans is low, dogs are the most vulnerable. Authorities with the department of state of fish and wildlife, as well as Oregon Parks and Recreation, are encouraging beachgoers to keep their pets on a leash and at least 150 feet away from sea lions.

In an interview with Newsweek, Elliott Hazen, an ecologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southwest Fisheries Science Center, leptospirosis is a bacterial illness that targets the kidneys, causing loss of function and, eventually, death. Leptospirosis can result in death owing to renal failure.

Weil's Disease Transmission

Leptospirosis, often referred to as Weil's disease, is transmitted by contact with diseased animals' urine (or other bodily fluids other than saliva). As mentioned by CDC, this can arise as a result of drinking polluted water and is most common in those who work outside with animals, such as farmers, sewage workers, and veterinarians based on a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Leptospirosis, if left untreated, can result in kidney damage, meningitis (infection of the membrane surrounding the cerebellum and spinal cord), liver cirrhosis, respiratory difficulties, and even death. Officials advise dog and horse owners to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating their animals against leptospirosis. It spreads when a diseased or dead sea lion's urine or other body fluids come into touch with an animal or person.

Following a report from Local News, dehydration, excessive drinking or peeing, vomiting, sadness, and a refusal to utilize their hind flippers are all symptoms of leptospirosis in sea lions. The symptoms in dogs as well as other animals are generally identical depending on the type of bacteria, and are frequently the result of kidney or liver disease, according to the department.

Increasing Numbers of Infected Sea Lions

The state of Oregon includes five seal plus sea lion species, but the California sea lions have been the only ones affected by the present epidemic, according to the ODFW. Sick and frail marine creatures, such as sea lions, are considerably more likely to shore on coastlines or wash up after drowning.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network have reported over 150 ill or dead sea lions since July. Seven of the animal carcasses were necropsied (an animal autopsy) as well as tested positive for leptospirosis. When sea lions congregate on beaches for breeding or giving birth, they are prone to pick up the ailment.

While humans can get leptospirosis, the disease's development from the present sea lion epidemic is quite improbable due to the limited likelihood that humans will come into contact with the bacteria's data transmission.

Dogs frequently get ill after consuming contaminated liquids or materials. Conforming to the American Veterinary Medical Association, leptospirosis may be treated with medications; and, if detected earlier, a dog has a fair chance of recovery. There is still a chance of irreversible kidney or liver impairment.

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