Dear MARMAM

A big thank you to all who responded regarding the identification of apparent lesions found on Delphinus in New Zealand waters. Just to clarify, the lesions in question were the circular speckled marks evident under the dorsal fin of the photographed animal. Due to the light, angle and contrast of the photograph, a few respondents mistook the query to be about the pale colouration on the dorsal fin. This in actual fact is merely dorsal fin pigmentation found commonly in most Delphinus in NZ waters.

A range of suggestions were made for the apparent lesions including fungal infection and a result of possible contact with acidic chemicals. However, the overwhelming majority of responses suggested consistency with either tattoo or ring lesions which apparently manifest as a result of the poxvirus. Useful further information on this and other viruses can be found in the following references;

Van Bressem et al. 1999. A review of virus infections of cetaceans and the potential impact of morbilliviruses and papillomaviruses on host population dynamics. Disease of Aquatic Organisms 38: 53-65

Van Bressem & Van Waerebeek 1996. Epidemiology of poxvirus in small cetaceans from the eastern South Pacific. Marine Mammal Science 12: 371-382.

Many thanks again for your assistance.

Best wishes,

Karen

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Karen A Stockin

Research Officer

Coastal - Marine Research Group

Institute of Natural Resources
Massey University at Albany
Private Bag 102 904
North Shore MSC
New Zealand

Tel: + 64 9 414 0800 Ext 41127

Fax: + 64 9 443 9790

Cell:  + 64 21 146 5511

Email: k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz

http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz

http://wildlife.massey.ac.nz/people/staff_ks.asp

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