.png)
Polar bears in Alaska are meeting an increasing number of infections as temperatures rise, according to a study published in PLOS ONE on October 23. The study found that diseases that were previously unable to live in Arctic settings are now thriving in these situations. This is thought to be the result of fast changes induced by climatic shifts. The findings revealed a considerable rise in polar bear exposure to viruses, germs, and parasites, posing additional risks to their already vulnerable populations.
Pathogen exposure in the Chukchi Sea region
The study compared blood samples obtained from 232 polar bears in the Chukchi Sea between 2008 and 2017 to samples from 115 animals studied between 1987 and 1994. This research found a significant increase in antibodies against pathogens including Neospora caninum and germs that cause brucellosis and tularemia. Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite associated with cats, increased from 2% to 14%, and antibodies to the canine distemper virus were also more commonly discovered.
Dr. Karyn Rode of the United States Geological Survey, who collaborated to the study, stated in a statement to Science.org that rising temperatures allow infections to invade previously inhospitable environments. This phenomena was most noticeable in the Chukchi Sea, where polar bears have been forced to adjust to diminished sea ice by spending extended amounts of time on land, frequently coming into touch with human activities and trash.
Implications for the Arctic food chain
The study also looked at chemical markers in polar bear hair to determine their diets, and discovered a link between prey ingestion and disease exposure. The findings indicated that the whole Arctic food chain, including animals like ringed seals, might be affected.
According to reports, concerns have been raised about the possible hazards to humans who rely on polar bear-based subsistence diets. Dr. Rode stated that more research is needed to understand how these viruses may harm other wildlife and human groups in the region.
Dr. Andy Dobson of Princeton University, a wildlife disease ecologist, added that while the study provides fascinating insights, more data from throughout the population range will be necessary to reach definitive conclusions.
#polarbears #bears #alaska #pathogenthreats #climatechange #arctic #newstainmentora
