BBC News
19 February 2006
Paul Rincon
Photos: BBC News
A parasite carried by cats is killing off sea otters, a veterinary specialist has told a major US science conference. The Californian researcher has called for owners to keep their cats indoors. Cat faeces carrying Toxoplasma parasites wash into US waterways and then into the sea where they can infect otters, causing brain disease.
The parasite is familiar to medical researchers, as it can damage human foetuses when expectant mothers become infected while changing cat litter.
The most likely source of infection for sea otters is the parasite's tough egg-like stage, known as the oocyst, which is passed in the faeces of cats.
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February 22, 2006
Cat Parasite 'Is Killing Otters' [News]
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