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Bay Area Scientists Seeing More Sick Sea Lions

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Oct 23, 2008 1:05 pm US/Pacific

Bay Area Scientists Seeing More Sick Sea Lions

SAUSALITO (AP) ― Scientists are trying to determine why California sea lions are contracting a potentially lethal infection.

The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito has seen more than 100 California sea lions with leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that attacks the kidneys.

Cases of the disease are seen every year, with huge breakouts every four to five years.

The study will focus on factors contributing to these cycles of disease to help scientists understand how it spreads and what the risks are to sea lions and other animals.

People and animals can become infected with leptospirosis though contact with contaminated urine, water or soil. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and respiratory distress.

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