Rare parasite threatens Central Coast sea otters

State researchers are studying a rare strain of parasite that was discovered in San Simeon and Cayucos.

From the Los Angeles Times: 

"The first otter washed ashore in San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County in February 2020, according to the study. The adult female otter was still alive but thin and unresponsive. The other three otters washed ashore already dead from February through March 2022 in Cayucos in San Luis Obispo County and in Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz County, researchers said."

Scientists warn that the same strain could pose a threat to humans. The unusual strain had not previously been detected in California. 

Researchers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and University of California, Davis, conducted a study on the deaths of the four sea otters, which occurred between 2020 and 2022. 

The study revealed high numbers of the parasite throughout the otters' bodies except for their brains, and researchers are concerned that the strain could contaminate the marine ecosystem and pose a public health risk. 

While the strain has not been reported in humans, researchers have warned the public to take precautions and recognize cases quickly. 

Toxoplasma can infect any warm-blooded animal, and potentially cause disease in humans and animals that share the same environment or food resources, such as mussels, clams, oysters, and crabs that are consumed raw or undercooked.