Published Date: 2002-04-22 23:50:00
Subject: PRO/AH> Dolphin/sea lion die-off, domoic acid - USA (CA)
Archive Number: 20020422.4011
DOLPHIN/SEA LION DIE-OFF, DOMOIC ACID - USA (CALIFORNIA)
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See Also
Dolphin die-off, domoic acid - USA (Calif.) (02) 20020331.3846Dolphin die-off, domoic acid? - USA (California) 20020325.3817
2000
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Sea lions, seizures, domoic acid - USA (Calif.) 1998 20000107.0018
1996
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Domoic acid 19960209.0275
Date: 20 Apr 2002
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: The Orange County Register, 20 Apr 2002 [edited
<http://www.ocregister.com/news/sealion0a0420cci1.shtml>
Sea lions and dolphins are dying due to an oceanic toxin
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Friday [19 Apr 2002 6 sea lions washed ashore in Orange County as the
effects of an ocean toxin spread down the Pacific coast, leaving a wake of
50 dolphins and 87 sea lions dead or mortally ill, and prompting the state
to halt mussel collecting.
The epidemic started in early March 2002 and spread south from San Luis
Obispo and Monterey Bay, where health officials on 11 Apr 2002 banned human
consumption of mussels, anchovies, and sardines.
Sea lions and dolphins began washing ashore in larger than usual numbers in
Orange County on Wednesday -- 6 that day, 7 on Thursday, and 6 more on
Friday. All were adult females: most were pregnant and lost their pups. One
died; the others are in critical condition.
The animals were disoriented, foaming at the mouth as they lay in the
waves, thrashing with seizures. Marine biologists attribute the illnesses
and death to domoic acid, a toxin released by a form of seagoing algae. The
number of sea lions washing ashore is unusually high for Southern
California -- marine mammal centers in Laguna Beach, San Pedro and San
Diego usually report getting 1 to 3 pups a week.
But it is the dolphin deaths that marine biologists are talking about.
"This will be the first documented effect on common dolphins, if that turns
out to be the source," said wildlife biologist Joe Cordaro of the National
Marine Fisheries Service. Veterinarians say the mammals' chances of
survival depend on the amount of poison ingested and how quickly they can
receive help.
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