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Source: http://www.kcet.org/news/redefine/re...ea-otters.html
New Disease Afflicting Sea Otters
by Chris Clarke
July 16, 2014 5:05 PM
A virus related to the ones that cause smallpox and chickenpox has been found in sea otters from California and Alaska, according to researchers at the University of Florida. Though it's unknown just how virulent the virus is, scientists are concerned it could interfere with infected otters' ability to stay warm in the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The newly discovered poxvirus was isolated from two orphaned sea otter pups being treated in wildlife rehab facilities. Researchers noticed skin lesions on the otters, and isolated an identical virus from the lesions on both animals. As the same strain was found in both the Californian and Alaskan otters, the previously unknown poxvirus is likely widespread through the species' range, at least in the eastern Pacific.
It's unknown whether the new virus poses a threat to humans, though the researchers encourage those working with sea otters in the wild or in rehab facilities to wear protective gear such as gloves. But the potential health risks to the otters themselves are dire enough even in the absence of human health risks...
New Disease Afflicting Sea Otters
by Chris Clarke
July 16, 2014 5:05 PM
A virus related to the ones that cause smallpox and chickenpox has been found in sea otters from California and Alaska, according to researchers at the University of Florida. Though it's unknown just how virulent the virus is, scientists are concerned it could interfere with infected otters' ability to stay warm in the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The newly discovered poxvirus was isolated from two orphaned sea otter pups being treated in wildlife rehab facilities. Researchers noticed skin lesions on the otters, and isolated an identical virus from the lesions on both animals. As the same strain was found in both the Californian and Alaskan otters, the previously unknown poxvirus is likely widespread through the species' range, at least in the eastern Pacific.
It's unknown whether the new virus poses a threat to humans, though the researchers encourage those working with sea otters in the wild or in rehab facilities to wear protective gear such as gloves. But the potential health risks to the otters themselves are dire enough even in the absence of human health risks...