Retrospective pathological survey of pulmonary disease in free-ranging Amazon river dolphin Inia geoffrensis and tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis

Abstract

The Amazon river dolphin Inia geoffrensis and tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis are classified as Data Deficient species. Despite very limited knowledge on health and disease aspects of these species, the main threats to their conservation include incidental mortality in fishing gear, population fragmentation, habitat loss and environmental pollution. It is also suggested that underlying diseases may contribute to their mortality rates. Herein, we retrospectively describe gross and microscopic pulmonary lesions in free-ranging I. geoffrensis (n = 24) and S. fluviatilis (n = 28) found dead. Nearly 85% of the examined animals presented some kind of primary lung disease, wherein the main etiological diagnoses were verminous pneumonia by Halocercus brasiliensis (25%), bacterial pneumonia (25%) and a single case of meconium aspiration syndrome (1.9%). An etiology was not determined in 36.5% (19/52) of animals. These results indicate a high incidence of pulmonary pathology in these species, raising concerns about population impacts and potential zoonotic implications in some instances. These data may provide a scientific basis for future medical and conservation efforts focused on Amazonian dolphins.

The Pathology of Cetacean Morbillivirus Infection and Comorbidities in Guiana Dolphins During an Unusual Mortality Event (Brazil, 2017–2018)

“…The host and geographic range for this nematode is not fully known; however, it affects multiple cetacean species with variable pathogenicity. 34,52 Other extrapulmonary gross findings observed in Guiana dolphins, such as cavitary effusion, icterus, hepatic lipidosis, lymphadenomegaly, and gastrointestinal parasitosis, have been described in epizootic DMV-infected striped dolphins. 22,23 Exacerbated parasitism may be linked to DMV infection.…”

“…The host and geographic range for this nematode is not fully known; however, it affects multiple cetacean species with variable pathogenicity. 34,52…”

Bacterial Pneumonia sebagai Salah Satu Penyebab Kematian Lumba Lumba Hidung Botol Indo-Pasifik (Tursiop aduncus)

“…Kematian lumba lumba akibat bacterial pneumonia sering ditemukan dan 25% kejadian kasus kematian pada lumba lumba amazone adalah akibat pneumonia disamping akibat penyakit yang lain (Rodrigues et al, 2018). Bakteri patogen disamping itu juga merupakan suatu infeksi sekunder yang mengikuti infeksi akibat penyakit lain diantaranya akibat infeksi virus, infeksi yang bersifat sistemik, sistem kekebalan yang terganggu ataupun pengaruh lingkungan hidupnya.…”

Fatal Streptococcus iniae Infection in a Juvenile Free-Ranging Short-Beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)

“…All previous reports of S. iniae infection in dolphins have been in captive settings; however, it is thought that disease may occur in free-ranging Amazon River dolphins [ 14 ]. Dolphins infected with S. iniae develop a dermatitis with multifocal subcutaneous skin abscessation, often referred to as “golf -ball” disease [ 1 ].…”