Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.beachconnection.net/news/leptospirosis_sealion102722.php
Leptospirosis Affecting Many Sea Lions on Oregon Coast: Watch Your Dogs
Published 10/27/22 at 6:03 PM
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff
Sea lions infected with the disease often appear lethargic and unable to move their hind limbs. Those ill often appear to have significant weight loss and even pneumonia.
Unfortunately, the disease is transmissible to humans and dogs.
“We strongly advise people to keep themselves and their pets well clear of sea lions on the beach,” the Hatfield said in an alert on its website.
The disease is making an impression on the Oregon coast, as it did in 2017 and another, sizably larger event in 2010.
Jim Rice, with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network out of the Hatfield, told Oregon Coast Beach Connection some 150 sick or already-dead sea lions have washed up along the entire Oregon coastline, from Brookings to Warrenton.
“Sick sea lions with signs of leptospirosis (extreme lethargy, emaciation, and reluctance to use their hind flippers) started showing up in late July along the south and central coasts,” Rice said. “Of those, Oregon State University has done necropsies on 7 carcasses, and all of those have been positive for leptospirosis.”
If you take your dog to to the Oregon coast, keep them far from any sea lion, whether dead or alive...
Leptospirosis Affecting Many Sea Lions on Oregon Coast: Watch Your Dogs
Published 10/27/22 at 6:03 PM
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff
Sea lions infected with the disease often appear lethargic and unable to move their hind limbs. Those ill often appear to have significant weight loss and even pneumonia.
Unfortunately, the disease is transmissible to humans and dogs.
“We strongly advise people to keep themselves and their pets well clear of sea lions on the beach,” the Hatfield said in an alert on its website.
The disease is making an impression on the Oregon coast, as it did in 2017 and another, sizably larger event in 2010.
Jim Rice, with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network out of the Hatfield, told Oregon Coast Beach Connection some 150 sick or already-dead sea lions have washed up along the entire Oregon coastline, from Brookings to Warrenton.
“Sick sea lions with signs of leptospirosis (extreme lethargy, emaciation, and reluctance to use their hind flippers) started showing up in late July along the south and central coasts,” Rice said. “Of those, Oregon State University has done necropsies on 7 carcasses, and all of those have been positive for leptospirosis.”
If you take your dog to to the Oregon coast, keep them far from any sea lion, whether dead or alive...