Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

01 Mar, 11 AM - 02 Mar, 06 AM

The aim of our research is to investigate if aquatic aggregates (such as marine snow) play a significant role in the transmission dynamics of zoonotic pathogens in coastal ecosystems. We will also investigate the possibility that sea lions may serve a definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoal pathogen that can infect humans and animals through contaminated water or seafood. To date, only felids are known to excrete the environmentally resistant stage of T. gondii, which is hypothesized to enter coastal waters through overland runoff. Field studies will be carried out near 1) sea lion haul-out sites and 2) near freshwater outflow sites to test for presence of zoonotic pathogens, including T. gondii, in water, aggregates, and in-situ invertebrates. Results from this research will provide novel insight on the importance of particle attachement on transport and fate of zoonotic pathogens in nearshore waters, and challenge the current dogma that only cats can serve as definitive hosts for T. gondii.

Visit #23887 @Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 22999 | Research

Effect of Marine Snow on Transport of Zoonotic Pathogens

faculty - University of California, Davis

Reservation Members(s)

Group of 2 Graduate Student Mar 1 - 2, 2011 (2 days)
Group of 2 Faculty Mar 1 - 2, 2011 (2 days)
Karen Shapiro Mar 1 - 2, 2011 (2 days)

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Day Use Only 5 Mar 1 - 2, 2011