A Theory:

According to Gossett (2003) the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Public Health Newsletter (http://www.veterinarypublichealth.com), The Infectious Disease Review (200 Vol. 2. No. 2), The Department of Conservation of New Zealand (http://www.humboldt.edu/), and the Wildlife Welfare Organization of Southern Australia, have all listed tuberculosis as zoonoses that affect arctic marine mammals. Consequently, a current working theory regarding the origins of tuberculosis in Alaska involves its transmission from pinnipeds to humans via the hunting and consumption practices of the Eskimos.

In support of this theory Aufderheide noted in a personal communication with Gossett (2003) that a 1000 year old Andean mummy was discovered to have tubercule bacillus’ DNA in its lungs. He then went on to explain that the dried feces associated with this population exhibited evidence of fish tapeworm Diphyllobothrium pacificum which suggests that the meat they consumed was undercooked. Viewed in conjunction with faunal remains and artifacts it can be safely assumed that meat from sea lions was a dietary staple.