Unusual Parasite Found in Cat Poop is Killing Sea Otters

Four southern sea otters observed stranded off the coast of California near Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo between February 2020 and March 2022 were diagnosed with fatal protozoal steatitis and systemic toxoplasmosis. This is the first discovery of this specific parasitic strain in an aquatic species that has been shared via food sources, indicating potential future health risks to both humans and animals. 

The University of California Davis and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife carried out performed necropsies, histopathology, and…