A surge of disease is affecting Northern California’s coastal sea lion population, exacerbating an already high death toll and worrying biologists. The outbreak of leptospirosis, a pathogen that causes kidney disease, is the second-largest since officials began tracking the disease in 1970. The pathogen can spread to people and dogs who come in contact with infected urine, water or soil. We’ll talk about what makes the current outbreak of leptospirosis different and what it says about the health of California’s coast.
Hundreds of Sea Lions Hit with Deadly Disease
23:41
![](https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/43/2018/10/sealioncropped-520x293.jpg)
A sick and malnourished sea lion pup sits in an enclosure at the Marine Mammal Center on March 18, 2015 in Sausalito, California.
Guests:
Shawn Johnson, director of veterinary science, The Marine Mammal Center <br />
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