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Pathology and causes of death in stranded humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Brazil.

Authors :
Groch, Kátia Regina
Díaz-Delgado, Josué
Marcondes, Milton C. C.
Colosio, Adriana Castaldo
Santos-Neto, Elitieri B.
Carvalho, Vítor Luz
Boos, Gisele Silva
Oliveira de Meirelles, Ana Carolina
Ramos, Hernani Gomes da Cunha
Guimarães, Juliana Plácido
Borges, João Carlos Gomes
Vergara-Parente, Jociery Einhardt
St. Leger, Judy A.
Fernández, Antonio
Catão-Dias, José Luiz
Source :
PLoS ONE; 5/16/2018, Vol. 13 Issue 5, p1-19, 19p
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

This study describes the pathologic findings of 24 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) found stranded along the Brazilian coast from 2004 to 2016. Eighteen (75%) animals evaluated were found stranded alive. From these, 13 died naturally on shore and five were euthanized. Six died at sea and were washed ashore. Of the 24, 19 (79.2%) were calves, four (16.7%) were juveniles, and one (4.2%) was an adult. The most probable cause of stranding and/or death (CSD) was determined in 23/24 (95.8%) individuals. In calves, CSD included neonatal respiratory distress (13/19; 68.4%), infectious disease (septicemia, omphaloarteritis and urachocystitis; 3/19; 15.8%), trauma of unknown origin (2/19; 10.5%), and vehicular trauma (vessel strike; 1/19; 5.3%). In juveniles and adult individuals, CSD was: emaciation (2/5; 40%), sunlight-thermal burn shock (1/5; 20%); and discospondylitis (1/5; 20%). In one juvenile, the CSD was undetermined (1/5; 20%). This study integrates novel findings and published case reports to delineate the pathology of a South-western Atlantic population of humpback whales. This foundation will aid in the assessment of the population health and establish a baseline for development of conservation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19326203
Volume :
13
Issue :
5
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
PLoS ONE
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
129633467
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194872