Morbillivirus and Pilot Whale Deaths in the Mediterranean Sea
Author Information
Author(s): Antonio Fernández, Fernando Esperón, Pedro Herraéz, Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros, Cristina Clavel, Antonio Bernabé, J. Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaino, Philippe Verborgh, Renaud DeStephanis, Francisco Toledano, Alejandro Bayón
Primary Institution: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Hypothesis
What is the impact of morbillivirus on long-finned pilot whales in the Mediterranean Sea?
Conclusion
The study found high mortality rates among long-finned pilot whales due to a morbillivirus outbreak in the Mediterranean Sea.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 27 long-finned pilot whales were found stranded during the outbreak.
- 18 of the stranded whales were in an advanced autolytic condition.
- Complete necropsies were performed on 7 of the moderately autolytic whales.
- Morbillivirus antigen was detected in all whales tested for it.
- The virus was closely related to dolphin morbillivirus.
Takeaway
A lot of pilot whales got sick and died because of a virus in the Mediterranean Sea.
Methodology
The study involved necropsies and virologic examinations of stranded pilot whales.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors affecting whale health and mortality.
Participant Demographics
Most stranded whales were adults or subadults, with a few juveniles.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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