Fatal kidney disease in sea lions along CA coast could impact pets, marine biologists warn

SAUSALITO, Calif. (KGO) -- The 300-mile California coast from Santa Cruz to Sonoma is seeing an outbreak of kidney disease impacting sea lions.

"To have basically very large outbreak with right now with no end in sight, beginning six-to-eight weeks plus earlier than what we are historically used to, is something that has our collective attention right now," explains Giancarlo Rulli, with the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.

Leptospirosis is a kidney disease. It is not uncommon in sea lions. It shows up every three to five years. It is spread mostly thorough urine. So when thousands of sea lions are gathered on a beach, it can contaminate the sand. The disease is contagious and can spread to humans and pets.

"This is a zoonotic disease. So, it can be spread to humans and dogs. We are especially concerned in this area of spread to your pet," Rulli says.

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Rulli adds, when dogs run free or when people interact with sea lions on the beach, that is how the disease can spread.

"Especially with the great weather right now. People heading out to the beaches, that they keep a safe distance from - at least 150 feet - from alive marine mammal or a dead marine mammal," says Rulli. "If you do bring your dog to the beach in an area where it is common to see sea lions... it is a very good idea to leash your dog."

The outbreak began along the California Central Coast but it is now starting to show up here in Northern California from Monterey to Sonoma County.

In 2018, there were 300 reported cases of sea lions being infected. So far this year, there are already 200 known cases and it is still six weeks until the time of when leptospirosis usually starts to appear.

"Let's hope it doesn't turn out to me a major issue here. As soon as I start talking to the other dog families out here, I will find out if they are aware of it or not," says Laura Vidal, who comes out to the Rodeo beach three to four times a week.

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Rodeo beach in Marin County doesn't have the massive number of sea lions where the disease can likely to spread. But Rulli says, precautions are still necessary.

"Be proactive in terms of making sure if you are going to the beach, know that this is happening, experts are responding, but there are steps to protect your pet especially just due to how deadly it can be for dogs," says Rulli.

So far, there are no reported cases of dog deaths. There is a leptospirosis vaccine for dogs.

Human can contract the disease through drinking contaminated water.

Experts also suggest to immediately wash your gear and clothes after going to the beach to stop the spread of the disease.