# Neospora caninum Infection in Marine Mammals Stranding in Northeastern Pacific Ocean Region

## TL;DR

This study found Neospora caninum, a parasite, in marine mammals in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, showing it can spread from land to sea.

## Contribution

The study expands the known host range of Neospora caninum to include marine mammals.

## Key findings

- Neospora caninum was identified in six marine mammal species using immunohistochemistry and PCR.
- The parasite was found in stranded animals, including two pups, in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
- The findings suggest terrestrial pathogens can affect marine ecosystems.

## Abstract

We used immunohistochemistry and PCR to identify Neospora caninum in 6 infected marine mammal species, including 2 pups, that stranded in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Our findings suggest the expansion of this parasite’s host range to marine mammals, underscoring the effect of terrestrial pathogens that flow from land to sea.