Wildlife

Sea Lions Washing Ashore From Disease

An outbreak of a bacterial disease has caused sick or dead sea lions to wash up on Oregon and California beaches.

Researchers say the culprit is leptospirosis, a bacteria that can cause kidney failure, fever, and muscle pain. Young male sea lions are usually affected and may exhibit dehydration and depression.

Leptospirosis can be spread through the urine of an infected animal. So if a dog touches or somehow ingests the urine of that animal they can in turn become sick themselves. Pet owners have been asked to take care when walking their dogs along affected beaches.