Parasites occur in all marine mammals. At The Center we test
fecal samples, collected from each animal, for internal parasites.
Some parasites may cause significant disease on their own while
others may allow secondary infections to take place, or exacerbate
a condition in an already debilitated marine mammal. In the
animals where parasites are thought to be contributing to disease,
the parasites are treated. However, parasites are normal for
most marine mammals and are not treated for if they do not appear
to be compromising an animal.
Otostrongylus and verminous (parasitic) pneumonia
Verminous pneumonia is caused by the lungworm Parafilaroides
decorus in sea lions, and by Otostrongylus circumlitis
in seals. Clinical symptoms include coughing, wheezing, dyspnea
(difficult or labored breathing), and periods of cyanosis (bluish
discoloration of mucous membranes due to the reduction of oxygen
in the blood). Some nasal discharge may be seen. The pneumonia
resulting from infection with these parasites may be severe
enough to result in death.
Sea otter parasites
Parasites are a major cause of disease in the threatened
southern sea otter population. Some species of acanthocephalan
(or thorny-headed worms) may migrate through the intestinal
wall and cause a sever infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
It is speculated that this is a recently introduced parasite
in the southern sea otter and may be associated with a change
in food sources for otters. Treatment for this condition is
extremely difficult.
Protozoan parasites may also contribute to a larger number
of southern sea otter mortalities. The most common protozoan
that have been associated with mortality include Toxoplasma
condii and Sarcogstis neurona. These parasites cause an encephalitis
(infection of the brain) resulting in neurological signs that
may include muscular tremors, ataxia, paralysis, and seizures.
Partial success has been achieved by treating affected otters
with anti-protozoal agents. However, the condition remains
very difficult to treat. The source of these protozoans in
the diet of sea otters may be associated with contamination
from sewage.
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Parasitic
Disease 