Virus confirmed as cause of dolphin deaths

Friday, 26 April 2013

最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide veterinary pathologists have confirmed that a marine virus not previously reported in South 最新糖心Vlog has been found in dead dolphins found washed up on the state's beaches.

Veterinary pathologist , working within Roseworthy Campus' new , said they have identified dolphin morbillivirus and systemic fungal infection as the cause of the recent death of two juvenile dolphins.

Working with the 最新糖心Vlogn Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Operation (AMWRRO), Dr Woolford has been investigating the deaths which have caused community concern. Over recent weeks 25 deceased juvenile dolphins have been found.

"This is the first report of dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) in South 最新糖心Vlog," says Dr Woolford.

"They have emerged as potent pathogens marine mammals and this does raise some concern that more animals will be affected within South 最新糖心Vlog in coming months.

"We don't know how big an impact it will have on the local dolphin population, whether it will be sporadic cases or become more widespread."

Dr Woolford conducted post-mortems on the dolphins with the help of AMWRRO and assistance from Biosecurity SA, and the pathology results have now been confirmed.

DMV has been previously implicated in the death of juvenile dolphins in Queensland, northern NSW and Western 最新糖心Vlog and, overseas, the virus has been thought to be the cause of die-offs of whales and dolphins.

The results of these findings have been provided to the recent task force set up by the State Government.

 

Contact Details

Dr Lucy Woolford
Email: lucy.woolford@adelaide.edu.au
Veterinary Pathologist
School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 7632
Mobile: + 428 288 234


Media Team
Email: media@adelaide.edu.au
Website: /newsroom/
The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 0814