Abstract

For the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), a federally-listed threatened species that has a limited geographic range, the determination of putative “normal” and potentially pathogenic bacterial microflora is crucial to understanding the health of the population and assessing risk of disease. From 1998 to 2003, standardized sampling protocols were employed to identify microorganisms present on or in tissues and feces of live-captured and necropsied southern sea otters. Samples for evaluation of bacterial microflora from live and dead otters were submitted to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where standardized methods and media were employed for evaluation of microflora present in each sample. All areas of the southern sea otter range are represented in the study, including San Nicholas Island. Data was analyzed for relationships between isolates and sea otter location, age, sex and live or dead status at time of sampling. All recognized human and terrestrial animal fecal pathogens selected for study were identified in sea otter feces with the exception of E. coli (0157:H7). Lists of putative “normal” and potentially pathogenic bacterial microflora of southern sea otters have now been established.

Acknowledgments

The studies included in this survey were supported by a variety of sources, including the town of Pacific Grove, California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Marine Fisheries and United States Geological Survey. In particular, we recognize the outstanding fieldwork of the following individuals: Jack Ames, Michelle Staedler, Jennifer Coffey, Deborah Brownstein, Michael Murray, David Jessup, Christine Kreuder, Michael Harris, Heather Harris, and Alisha Kage.