Warming Arctic Increases Pathogen Risk for Polar Bears

As sea ice diminishes, polar bears face heightened exposure to viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Research from the Chukchi Sea shows a significant rise in polar bear exposure to five pathogens over the last three decades.
Pathogens include parasites causing toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, bacteria causing tularemia and brucellosis, and the canine distemper virus.
The study suggests that warmer conditions allow these pathogens to persist in the Arctic, affecting both polar bears and their prey.
Female polar bears are at higher risk due to increased time spent on land, where they are more exposed to pathogens.
The findings raise concerns about the impact on Arctic wildlife and human communities relying on polar bears for subsistence.