Question Period Note: NEW STUDY ON POTENTIAL FOR COVID-19 TRANSMISSION TO MARINE MAMMALS

• The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure that marine mammals are protected for future generations.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada is aware of the recent study which indicates COVID-19 could be spread to marine mammals through contaminated wastewater.
• The article notes that, to date, there have been no documented cases of COVID-19 transmission to marine mammals by humans or wastewater.
• The Department continues to monitor this situation and remains in close contact with animal health experts.

• In early November 2020, researchers from Dalhousie University published a study (Pandemic danger to the deep: The risk of marine mammals contracting SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater in the journal Science of the Total Environment) which looked at the theoretical susceptibility of various marine mammals in Alaska to Covid-19 infection, and the potential for wastewater carrying the virus to provide a pathway for this infection. While the paper notes that there have been no documented cases of COVID-19 transmission to marine mammals by humans or wastewater, the authors’ provide an overview of some cases where marine mammals have been infected by other viruses in the past.
• According to the study, cetaceans would, in theory, be susceptible to the virus. Many of the whale species discussed are already of conservation concern. Seals are also thought to be theoretically susceptible, and are generally more present in river estuaries receiving waste water effluents.
• The researchers examined the potential transmission risk based on the different types of wastewater treatments and identified the highest risk treatment facilities.
• Wastewater is often treated before it enters the ocean to kill bacteria and viruses. However untreated or partially treated wastewater can be released, which would constitute higher risk areas for marine mammals.
• The harvest of marine mammals is an important source of food security in Arctic communities. Questions about the safety of consuming marine mammals should be referred to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

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