Brand new research highlights a troubling spike in leptospirosis cases among marine creatures along California’s coastline, as reported by the Los Angeles Times via Phys.org. This is a serious zoonotic disease that can lead to kidney or liver failure in infected animals, compounding the challenges marine wildlife are facing with ever-changing ocean conditions.
What’s the situation?
A volunteer from the Marine Mammal Center revealed that nearly 400 sea creatures have been documented as sick or stranded on the Central Coast beaches since late June, with fewer than a third managing to survive, as noted by the Times.
Among the affected animals, many displayed clear signs of leptospirosis, which is triggered by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Leptospira prevalent in contaminated environments like water or soil. The disease spreads readily via the urine of infected animals, particularly problematic considering the social structures within marine life groups such as sea lions.
What’s more, this disease isn’t just a marine issue—it can also invade humans, generally causing mild symptoms that last from several days to a few weeks, while severe forms can stretch for months, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Leptospirosis takes a toll on the kidneys and liver, interfering with their normal functional processes. Infected sea lions often present in distress, evidenced by green cravings for water or their flippers gripping their abdomens, both suggestive of tummy ache due to serious kidney complications.
This disease has been observed annually with minor outbreaks since it first popped up in the 1970s, as the Times mentions. However, major outbreaks occur every few years, correlated with a cruel surge in marine mortality. This year’s outbreak kicked off a month ahead of the regular timeline and stands out due to an exceptionally high casualty count.
Why do changing ocean conditions raise alarms?
The unsettling reality is that the bacteria thriving on leptospirosis flourish in warm, moist conditions, according to Infection Ecology and Epidemiology, especially in the shallow waters where sea lions make their homes. With shifting ocean environments, the prospects for marine life survival are dimming.
Researchers are delving into how declining ocean conditions are associated with the spread of diseases. “It’s a work in progress, and the world is changing beneath our feet!” noted Jamie Lloyd-Smith, a professor specializing in ecology and evolutionary biology at UCLA, according to the Times.
As the oceans continue to absorb rising levels of carbon and heat, we’re witnessing not just a rise in temperatures, but also increased acidity and faster rising water levels.
This set of changes disrupts delicate marine ecosystems, leading to additional stress on these creatures. By now, heat stress has damaged nearly 84% of the world’s coral reefs since 2023—a staggering statistic since corals support about 25% of the entire oceanic biodiversity, according to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
On top of that, rising temperatures foster an overpopulation of algae as documented by the Environmental Protection Agency, lowering the amount of oxygen and sunlight available for marine life—and that structurally endangers countless aquatic organisms.
How can I contribute to the cause?
Wildlife rescue centers are facing an unprecedented influx of animals needing aid, both from marine populations and beyond.
For instance, Austin Wildlife Rescue in Texas reported bringing in an astounding 160 animals in one day post a brutal storm—breaking their previous record for rescues. Over in Kent, England, a wildlife rescue entity has encountered an unusually large surge of badger cubs this year due to shifting weather and increased road accidents.
Yet, these rescue operations often find themselves stretched thin due to limited funding coupled with the challenges posed by severe climatic events. If you happen to have some time or resources to share, think about supporting local wildlife rescue efforts so they can keep making a difference in this ongoing crisis.
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Our report on the discovery made while evaluating creatures off the U.S. coast demonstrates how ‘the world is changing rapidly beneath our feet’ first appeared on The Cool Down.
