Bay Area Sea Lion Leptospirosis Outbreak Hits 100 Cases

In the United States, wildlife diseases are emerging as significant concerns, with two notable outbreaks drawing attention. In Illinois, research has found that over half of sampled raccoons carry Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease, which can cause severe heart complications in humans and is spreading silently through wildlife beyond its traditional tropical confines. Meanwhile, the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, is facing an unprecedented early outbreak of leptospirosis among sea lions, with over 100 cases in July alone; this bacterial disease causes irreversible kidney damage and has a high fatality rate, killing about two-thirds of infected sea lions. Scientists link the unusual timing and severity of this outbreak to long-term oceanic changes stemming from a marine heatwave known as "The Blob," which altered marine ecosystems and food sources. Leptospirosis also poses a risk to dogs and potentially humans, urging caution around affected animals. These developments highlight the complex interplay between wildlife health, environmental change, and potential spillover risks to humans and pets across different regions in the U.S.