Study

Antibiotic efficacy in eliminating leptospiruria in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) stranding with leptospirosis

  • Published source details Prager K.C., Alt D.P., Buhnerkempe M.G., Grieg D.J., Galloway R.L., Wu Q., Gulland F.M.D. & Lloyd-Smith J.O. (2015) Antibiotic efficacy in eliminating leptospiruria in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) stranding with leptospirosis. Aquatic Mammals, 41, 203-212.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Rehabilitate and release injured, sick or weak marine and freshwater mammals

Action Link
Marine and Freshwater Mammal Conservation
  1. Rehabilitate and release injured, sick or weak marine and freshwater mammals

    A study in 2010–2012 of coastal sites in the North Pacific Ocean, California, USA (Prager et al. 2015) found that less than one half of stranded California sea lions Zalophus californianus were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Fourteen of 35 sea lions were rehabilitated and released back into the wild, although survival after release was not reported. The other 21 sea lions died shortly after admission to the rehabilitation facility. Antibiotic treatments eliminated a bacterial infection (leptospirosis) within 1–7 weeks for four of the 14 surviving sea lions. The other 10 sea lions tested positive for leptospirosis during final tests before their release (4–12 weeks after admission to the facility). In 2010–2011, thirty-five stranded sea lions were admitted to a rehabilitation facility and diagnosed with the bacterial infection leptospirosis. Fourteen surviving sea lions were treated with antibiotics, fluids, parasite treatments and anti-inflammatory drugs (see original paper for details). Urine and blood samples were collected approximately every 14 days from admission until release in 2010–2012. DNA analysis, urine cultures and tests for antibodies were used to detect leptospirosis infections.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

Output references
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