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Diseases of Aquatic Organisms

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DAO 151:29-35 (2022)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03690

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Congenital defects and herpesvirus infection in beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas calves from the Critically Endangered Cook Inlet population

Kathleen A. Burek-Huntington1,*, Kim E. W. Shelden2, Colleen Guilfoyle3, J. G. M. Thewissen4, Mandy Migura5, Anibal G. Armien6, Carlos H. Romero7

1Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, Eagle River, Alaska 99577, USA
2NOAA, NMFS, AFSC, Marine Mammal Laboratory, Seattle, Washington 98115, USA
3Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741, USA
4Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, USA
5Broad Conservation, 16607 Eleonora St., Eagle River, Alaska 99577, USA
6California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
7Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608, USA
*Corresponding author:

ABSTRACT: Cook Inlet beluga whales (CIBs) Delphinapterus leucas are Critically Endangered and genetically distinct from other beluga populations in Alaska. CIBs are exposed to numerous natural and anthropogenic sources of mortality and morbidity. This study describes congenital defects observed in 2 CIB calves. The first case, an aborted fetus, was characterized by lack of a peduncle and flukes, anorectal and genitourinary dysgenesis, and probable biliary dysplasia. The second case, a male calf, had a perineal groove defect and suspected secondary peritonitis; it also had a systemic herpesvirus infection. Further studies are needed to determine if such defects are due to genetic mutation, infectious diseases, nutritional imbalances, or contaminant exposure.


KEY WORDS: Beluga · Congenital defect · Caudal regression syndrome · Perineal groove


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Cite this article as: Burek-Huntington KA, Shelden KEW, Guilfoyle C, Thewissen JGM, Migura M, Armien AG, Romero CH (2022) Congenital defects and herpesvirus infection in beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas calves from the Critically Endangered Cook Inlet population. Dis Aquat Org 151:29-35. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03690

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