<i>Coxiella burnetii</i> Infection of a Steller Sea Lion ( <i>Eumetopias jubatus</i> ) Found in Washington State

Abstract

A pregnant sea lion stranded in the State of Washington was found to have placentitis caused by a unique strain of Coxiella burnetii. This is the first description of coxiellosis in a sea lion and suggests that exposure to sea lions may be a risk factor for contracting Q fever.