Rare parasite killing California sea otters could pose human risk
Four sea otters in California have died from a rare strain of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite that could pose a risk to human health. The strain had never been reported in any aquatic animal or in coastal California. The otters were "important sentinels" of the circulating strain, which could be a risk to people eating seafood or ingesting contaminated water. To prevent any toxoplasmosis infection, the CDC recommends typical food safety practices such as cooking foods to a high internal temperature, rinsing fruits and vegetables, and washing utensils.