Overview

• The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito admitted over 100 leptospirosis-infected sea lions in July, a volume usually seen later in the season.
• Two-thirds of infected animals typically succumb to acute kidney damage despite intensive antibiotic and fluid therapy.
• Cases have been reported from Monterey up through San Francisco County as sea lions traverse hundreds of miles of coastline.
• Dog owners are urged to vaccinate pets for leptospirosis and maintain at least a 150-foot distance from stranded or ill marine mammals.
• Ongoing funding constraints and unpredictable oceanographic shifts since the 2015 “Blob” event have complicated efforts to forecast future outbreaks.