My MPVM Project...

Academic Advisor: Dr. Jonna Mazet

Interactions between marine mammals, humans, or other mammals may result in the transmission of disease that jeopardizes the health and well being of both the humans and the animals. It is known that marine mammals may be susceptible to disease transmission through contact with field researchers, contact with humans during capture and captivity, and contact with other mammals. However, little is known about the transmission of disease from humans to marine mammals. Stranded marine mammals (which are more likely to be sick or injured) may pose an increased risk of disease transmission to veterinary medical personnel, biologists, other scientists, and volunteers attempting to aid the stranded animals. Humans may also be exposed to infectious diseases, such as leptospirosis, when examining carcasses of dead marine mammals during necropsies. ..... more background information