HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.131 2024-2026From: Kee Ku o
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 1:18 PM
To: Council Testimony C= �c
Subject: PLEASE PASS BILL 51 i -<
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Please pass Bill 51.
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Feral cats pose a serious nuisance to both people and wildlife. They are known carriers of dise'�''ases; most
notably toxoplasmosis—a parasitic infection that becomes airborne through spores in dried feces.
Once inhaled, it can pose serious health risks, especially to those with compromised immune systems.
Toxoplasmosis has been linked in peer -reviewed research to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and
increased risk -taking behaviors in individuals with brain infections. It is a debilitating and often
underdiagnosed disease.
Pregnant women who are exposed to Toxoplasma gondii—particularly while cleaning a litter box —risk
transmitting the parasite to their unborn child, which can result in physical and mental disabilities.
Cats are the primary hosts of this parasite. They often become infected by eating rodents that carry it,
creating a vicious and continuous cycle. People who feed or care for feral cats may unknowingly be
contributing to the spread of toxoplasmosis, especially if they themselves are carrying the parasite
without symptoms.
The environmental impact is also alarming. Studies from institutions such as UC Davis, UC Santa
Cruz, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have shown
that Toxoplasma gondii oocysts can travel via storm drains, streams, and runoff into the ocean. These
oocysts are highly resilient and can survive in water for extended periods.
Once in the marine environment, the parasite has been detected in the brains of sea otters, dolphins,
seals, and whales. Research has directly linked toxoplasmosis to encephalitis, reproductive failure,
and mortality in marine mammals. For example, a 2002 study led by researchers at UC Davis found
that over 60% of sea otters examined along the California coast tested positive for exposure to T.
gondii, with higher infection rates near freshwater runoff. NOAA has since classified toxoplasmosis as
a significant and growing threat to marine ecosystems.
To truly address this public health and ecological crisis, all outdoor cats must be either humanely
euthanized or spayed/neutered to stop the unchecked reproduction and break the disease cycle.
Leaving these animals on the streets, even if fed, only worsens the spread of parasites and leads to
further suffering —for both animals and the environment.
urge you to do the responsible thing for our community and our environment: Please support Bill
51. Protecting public health, wildlife, and the future of our island requires action now. y�
Comm. a. ��✓-
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