The first report of a necropsy in Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) stranded in Tierra del Fuego in 2016

M. NATALIA PASO VIOLA; TORRES, MÓNICA A.; NATALIA A. DELLABIANCA; ADRIANA R. MASSONE; ANALIA SAN MARTIN; LUCIANA RICCIALDELLI

Otro; Meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission; 2018

International Whaling Commission

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) occur worldwide and can be found mainly inoceanic waters. Stranding may be caused by disease, starvation, abandonment, or other unknown reasons. This study reports the first confirmed record of B. physalus at the coastof Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (53°36'14.59"S/ 67°58'4.03"W) and provides information about the possible cause of death. Any superficial lesions were found and pathological analysis was not able to convincingly explain the stranding of the fin whale. However, histological section of lungs and respiratory tract showed a pneumonia principle that in combination with bad physical condition (e.g. insufficient fat deposits), may have contributed to its stranding and subsequent death.