Cook Inlet beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas with valvular endocarditis, encephalitis, rhabdomyolysis, heavy parasitism and fungal dermatitis

Dis Aquat Organ. 2023 Jul 20:155:1-6. doi: 10.3354/dao03736.

Abstract

This is a case report of a Cook Inlet beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas found dead stranded on September 28, 2020 in Turnagain Arm, Alaska. This subadult male had valvular endocarditis, encephalitis, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuric nephropathy, severe parasitism and fungal dermatitis. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was detected in the heart lesion, eye and external swabs. The level of infection and parasitism in this individual is markedly higher than what has been found in other Cook Inlet belugas, suggesting immunosuppression.

Keywords: Beluga; Cook Inlet; Encephalitis; Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae; Myoglobinuric nephropathy; Rhabdomyolysis; Valvular endocarditis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bays
  • Beluga Whale*
  • Dermatitis* / veterinary
  • Encephalitis* / veterinary
  • Endocarditis* / veterinary
  • Male
  • Rhabdomyolysis* / veterinary