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Microbiological characterization of three Atlantic whiteside dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus acutus ) from stranding through captivity with subsequent rehabilitation and release of one animal
Author(s) -
Buck John D.,
Bubucis Patricia M.,
Spotte Stephen
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430070206
Subject(s) - captivity , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , zoology
Three live Atlantic whiteside dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus acutus ) were found beach‐stranded on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and were shipped to Mystic Marinelife Aquarium in Connecticut and held in captivity. Swab samples were collected routinely from the anus and blowhole of live animals and from internal organs at necropsy for microbial culture. Despite antibiotic therapy, one animal died on day 9 of captivity, and one died after 110 days. The survivor was released after 126 days of captivity. Klebsiella pneumoniae septicemia and staphylococcal pneumonia were likely responsible for the two deaths. A total of 26 different organisms (or groups of organisms) were recovered from the three dolphins, including several (e.g., Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus faecalis Candida albicans, Proteus‐Morganella spp, Vibrio spp ) that, in addition to the above organisms, could be potentially pathogenic for debilitated animals. Newly rescued marine mammals should be segregated from healthy animals if possible.