Marine Mammal Center Responding To Outbreak In Sea Lions

MARIN COUNTY, CA – The Marine Mammal Center is facing the second largest outbreak of leptospirosis in California sea lions in its recorded history, according to the center.

So far this year, 220 sea lions at the Sausalito-based center have tested positive for the potentially fatal bacterial infection – more than half of the sea lions rescued in 2018 along the center's 600-mile response range.

Outbreaks of the infection typically occur every four to five years, according to Dr. Shawn Johnson, director of veterinary science at the center. During the last major outbreak in 2011, nearly 200 infected sea lions were admitted to the center's hospital.

The center has been collecting records, blood and urine samples for more than four decades.

"Our long history of rehabilitation and commitment to scientific research allows us to see the disease patterns over multiple decades and better respond to these types of events," Johnson said in a statement.

Though sea lions diagnosed with leptospirosis are treated with antibiotics, fluids and other supportive care, roughly two-thirds of the infected animals do not survive, center officials said.

Leptospira was first detected in California sea lions in 1970 during an outbreak that occurred along the coast of California, Oregon and Washington.

Other animal species, including humans and dogs, can become infected with the bacteria through contact with contaminated urine, water and soil.

Officials at the center urged the public to maintain a safe distance of at least 50 feet from marine mammals and to keep their dogs away.

Report sick marine mammals to the center's 24-hour hotline at 415-289-7325. To donate to help the center treat current sea lion patients, visit MarineMammalCenter.org/donate.

Bay City News Service and Kristina Houck/Patch contributed to this report.

Photo: Princepajaro, a male California sea lion, swims in a pool during treatment for leptospirosis at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. When a leptospirosis outbreak occurs, the center's scientists study the disease to learn more about what causes an outbreak and how we can improve treatment for infected animals. Photo Credit Bill Hunnewell/The Marine Mammal Center