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Cat Parasites Infect Otters

Posted by michael on from the we-otter-be-more-careful dept.

Peter T Ermit writes "In an article in the International Journal of Parasitology, a team of scientists links the deaths of sea otters to T. gondii, a parasite found almost exclusively in cat feces. (The above link goes to a technical abstract; this is a more understandable popular version.) It seems that the parasite got into the ocean through waste water, and wound up infecting the otters' brains. So think twice before flushing that kitty litter."

2 of 27 comments (clear)

  1. Excuse me.. by RaboKrabekian · · Score: 0, Troll

    How exactly is this "news for nerds?" I'm sure the Society for the Advancement of Otters is concerned, but this isn't really an environmental news site.

    --
    "Moderate drinking can help prevent amputated limbs" -- Abigail Zuger, NYTimes, 12/31/02
  2. THE END IS NIGH!! by Innomi · · Score: 0, Troll

    ARG We're all going to die! These parasites are infecting our water supply! Boil your water, or buy bottled! STORIES LIKE THIS ARE IRRESPONSIBLE, WE'RE JUST TELLING THE TERRORISTS HOW TO GET TO US!!! Blah. Sorry, this is supposed to be funny but it's not.