LOS ANGELES — Four sea otters that washed ashore on the California coast died from an unusual parasite that scientists warn could possibly infect other marine wildlife and humans.
There are currently no known infections of the Toxoplasma gondii strain among humans, according to a study published Wednesday from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and UC Davis.
But the microscopic parasite could infect any warm-blooded animal or find its way into the food chain, the study said. That includes marine animals like mussels, clams, oysters, and crabs that are consumed raw or undercooked, corresponding study author Melissa Miller with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a written statement.
