Skin diseases in Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) of Península Valdés, Argentina: A possible conservation concern

FIORITO, C.; BERTELLOTTI, M.; LOMBARDO, D.

Puerto Madryn

Workshop; Southern Right Whale Die-Off and Kelp Gull Management; 2014

International Whalling Comision - Cancillería Argentina

In recent years there has been an increase in skin lesions of Southern right whales of Península Valdes. In order to determine the causes of these skin lesions, a variety of samples are taken by biopsies of free-living whales and stranded dead whales. Samples were analyzed for histopathologic and etiologic diagnosis, using advanced technology and molecular techniques, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and PCR assay. We confirmed the presence of poxvirus in skin lesions of Southern right whales. The presence of poxvirus in cetacean populations is strongly linked to stressors. Another concern issue is related to the some consequences of kelp gull attacks on right whales. We recorded the bacteria Erysipelothrix spp., Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus spp isolated from infected wounds caused by gull attacks. Isolated bacteria in these wounds confirm that these wounds are a route of entry for pathogens, which could even cause of death. Discovery of new pathogens that affect the population of Southern right whales are within the main priorities for the conservation of the species. It is necessary to determine the causes of the proliferation of these skin diseases because the increasing occurrence of skin lesions in this population may reflect their health status and may act as an indicator of deterioration and alteration of the marine ecosystem in which whales live