Toxoplasma gondii Content

Wild and Feral Cats in Populated Areas Release More Toxoplasmosis Parasites

Katherine E Kerlin — June 21, 2023 - 1:57pm

More humans and temperature fluctuations may exacerbate the spread of T. gondii and other infectious diseases, a 51�ԹϺ�� Davis study found.

Sea Otters Killed by Unusual Parasite Strain

Katherine E Kerlin — March 22, 2023 - 8:00am

An unusually severe form of toxoplasmosis killed four sea otters and could pose a threat to other marine wildlife and humans, finds a study from 51�ԹϺ�� Davis and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

What’s Killing Sea Otters? Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain

Katherine E Kerlin — August 22, 2019 - 11:23am

Many wild southern sea otters in California are infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, yet the infection is fatal for only a fraction of sea otters, which has long puzzled the scientific community. A study from the University of California, Davis, identifies the parasite’s specific strains that are killing southern sea otters, tracing them back to a bobcat and feral domestic cats from nearby watersheds.

Paving the Way for Pathogens

Katherine E Kerlin — August 29, 2016 - 11:31am

Higher levels of rainfall and coastal development increase the risk of disease-causing organisms flowing to the ocean, according to a study from the University of California, Davis. The study advances earlier work by tracking the parasite T. gondii to see how human-driven land-use change and rainfall might be impacting pathogen movement from land to sea.