South Australians are being warned not to touch stranded marine mammals including whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions and instead to call the National Parks and Wildlife Service for advice.
When people see a live stranded marine mammal their first instinct is often to rush to the animal’s aid and immediately put it back into the water. However, this may not be in the best interest of the animal, or the person trying to help.
Marine mammals can carry infectious diseases that can pass between themselves, humans, and their pets. These diseases, known as zoonotic diseases, include tuberculosis, Brucella, toxoplasmosis and q-fever.
They can spread to humans and pets by direct contact with the marine mammal or it’s bodily fluids - and can even disperse through the air when the animal breathes.
This is why it was essential to wear protective clothing when near marine mammals - whether dead or alive. Protective clothing includes gloves, face masks, eye and skin protection
Five live and 17 dead marine mammals have been reported stranded along the metropolitan coastline in the past 12 months.
It is also common for healthy seals and sea lions to come ashore and people are asked to not approach the animals and to admire them from a safe distance.
Seals and sea lions may bite and can inflict serious wounds which have a high potential for infection. If you are near a seal or sea lion, do not stand between the animal and the water.
Marine mammal regulations are in place to protect these animals from disturbance and to prevent humans from being harmed by sometimes scared and aggressive animals.
For contact details and more information visit this fact sheet marine-mammal-strandings-fact-gen.pdf. To report a stranded marine mammal, contact your local National Parks and Wildlife Service regional duty officer.
· Eyre Peninsula: 8688 3223
· Kangaroo Island: 0477 334 898
· Northern & Yorke: 0417 883 678
· South East: 8735 1177
Quotes
Attributable to, Susan Close
We are currently in a very busy stranding period so given this we are likely to get a more come ashore in the near future.
If someone comes into contact with a sick or infected marine mammal, there could potentially be serious health consequences for that person.
As zoonotic diseases could pass to your pets too, it’s best to keep your dogs on lead at a safe distance.
Attributable to National Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Ranger Nikki Zanardo
If you find a stranded marine mammal, please call your local National Parks and Wildlife Service office or marine wildlife rescue organisation.
They can provide you with advice over the phone, send experienced personnel with equipment to assist with the incident, or both.
These animals come ashore as they are tired and need to rest after spending many hours out at sea foraging for food.
If you see them on a beach, please respect them and keep a safe distance.
