Sea lions off the coast in California are contracting a kidney disease that has arrived earlier than expected, raising concerns about transmission to humans and pets.

Newsweek has reached out to the Marine Mammal Center (MMC) for comment via email on Sunday.

Why It Matters

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that attacks the kidneys, can cause severe illness or death in animals. Infected sea lions are often spotted drinking water, a rare behavior since they normally get hydration from food, signaling their kidneys are not functioning properly, according to the MMC.

It's not rare for sea lions to contract it, often appearing in about four-year cycles. Humans and other animals can also contract it, with untreated cases leading to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, trouble breath

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