Colleagues,
The following article is available online for those of you that
are interested:
Prevalence of
Epidermal Conditions in California Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops
truncatus) in Monterey Bay
Daniela Maldini,
Jessica Riggin, Arianna Cecchetti and Mark P. Cotter
The
prevalence of epidermal conditions in a small population of coastal bottlenose
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Monterey Bay was evaluated between 2006
and 2008. Five different skin condition categories were considered, including
Pox-Like Lesions, Discoloration, Orange Film, Polygon Lesions, and
Miscellaneous Markings. Of 147 adults and 42 calves photographically examined,
at least 90 and 71%, respectively, were affected by at least one or multiple
conditions. Pox-Like Lesions were the most prevalent, affecting 80% of the
population, including adults and calves. This condition warrants the most
urgent investigation being possibly indicative of the widespread presence of
poxvirus or a similar pathogen in the population. In view of the high number of
individuals affected, standard monitoring of the health status of Monterey Bay
bottlenose dolphins is considered imperative. Discoloration was strongly
associated with Pox-Like lesions. Orange Films were likely an epifaunal
infestation caused by diatoms, which have been documented in other cetacean
species. Polygon Lesions, a newly described category, could be the result of
infestation by barnacles of the genus Cryptolepas. Miscellaneous
Markings were variable in appearance and may not have the same causative
factor. Although none of the proposed etiologies can be confirmed without
appropriate clinical tests, recognizing common visible characteristics of the
conditions could aid in preliminary comparisons across populations and
individuals.
Published
by AMBIO: A Journal of the Human
Environment
http://www.springerlink.com/content/a528867367732174/
Daniela Maldini, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist and President
Okeanis
Phone Wk: 978-760-0740
Cell: 978-885-0550
E-mail: dmaldini@okeanis.org
Okeanis
Research and Conservation for a Sustainable Ocean
7981 Moss Landing Road, Suite A1
Moss Landing, CA 95039
www.okeanis.org
Facebook: Okeanis and California Coastal Dolphin Project