1
|
Lee K, Raverty S, Cottrell P, Zoveidadianpour Z, Cottrell B, Price D, Alava JJ. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) source identification and a maternal transfer case study in threatened killer whales (Orcinus orca) of British Columbia, Canada. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22580. [PMID: 38114485 PMCID: PMC10730697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45306-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The northeastern Pacific (NEP) Ocean spans the coast of British Columbia (Canada) and is impacted by anthropogenic activities including oil pipeline developments, maritime fossil fuel tanker traffic, industrial chemical effluents, agricultural and urban emissions in tandem with stormwater and wastewater discharges, and forest wildfires. Such events may expose surrounding marine environments to toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and impact critical habitats of threatened killer whales (Orcinus orca). We analyzed skeletal muscle and liver samples from stranded Bigg's killer whales and endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) for PAH contamination using LRMS. C3-phenanthrenes/anthracenes (mean: 632 ng/g lw), C4-dibenzothiophenes (mean: 334 ng/g lw), and C4-phenanthrenes/anthracenes (mean: 248 ng/g lw) presented the highest concentrations across all tissue samples. Diagnostic ratios indicated petrogenic-sourced contamination for SRKWs and pyrogenic-sourced burdens for Bigg's killer whales; differences between ecotypes may be attributed to habitat range, prey selection, and metabolism. A mother-fetus skeletal muscle pair provided evidence of PAH maternal transfer; low molecular weight compounds C3-fluorenes, dibenzothiophene, and naphthalene showed efficient and preferential exposure to the fetus. This indicates in-utero exposure of PAH-contamination to the fetus. Our results show that hydrocarbon-related anthropogenic activities are negatively impacting these top predators; preliminary data found here can be used to improve oil spill and other PAH pollution management and regulation efforts, and inform policy to conserve killer whale habitats in the NEP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiah Lee
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Toxicology and Environmental Sciences, Department of Bioscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul Cottrell
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zeinab Zoveidadianpour
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brendan Cottrell
- Applied Remote Sensing Lab, Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dana Price
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lorch JM, Winzeler ME, Lankton JS, Raverty S, Snyman HN, Schwantje H, Thacker C, Knowles S, Cai HY, Grear DA. Paranannizziopsis spp. infections in wild snakes and a qPCR assay for detection of the fungus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1302586. [PMID: 38125577 PMCID: PMC10730940 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1302586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of ophidiomycosis (or snake fungal disease) in snakes has prompted increased awareness of the potential effects of fungal infections on wild reptile populations. Yet, aside from Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, little is known about other mycoses affecting wild reptiles. The closely related genus Paranannizziopsis has been associated with dermatomycosis in snakes and tuataras in captive collections, and P. australasiensis was recently identified as the cause of skin infections in non-native wild panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) in Florida, USA. Here we describe five cases of Paranannizziopsis spp. associated with skin lesions in wild snakes in North America and one additional case from a captive snake from Connecticut, USA. In addition to demonstrating that wild Nearctic snakes can serve as a host for these fungi, we also provide evidence that the genus Paranannizziopsis is widespread in wild snakes, with cases being identified in Louisiana (USA), Minnesota (USA), Virginia (USA), and British Columbia (Canada). Phylogenetic analyses conducted on multiple loci of the fungal strains we isolated identified P. australasiensis in Louisiana and Virginia; the remaining strains from Minnesota and British Columbia did not cluster with any of the described species of Paranannizziopsis, although the strains from British Columbia appear to represent a single lineage. Finally, we designed a pan-Paranannizziopsis real-time PCR assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer region 2. This assay successfully detected DNA of all described species of Paranannizziopsis and the two potentially novel taxa isolated in this study and did not cross-react with closely related fungi or other fungi commonly found on the skin of snakes. The assay was 100% sensitive and specific when screening clinical (skin tissue or skin swab) samples, although full determination of the assay's performance will require additional follow up due to the small number of clinical samples (n = 14 from 11 snakes) available for testing in our study. Nonetheless, the PCR assay can provide an important tool in further investigating the prevalence, distribution, and host range of Paranannizziopsis spp. and facilitate more rapid diagnosis of Paranannizziopsis spp. infections that are otherwise difficult to differentiate from other dermatomycoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Megan E. Winzeler
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julia S. Lankton
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Heindrich N. Snyman
- Animal Health Laboratory – Kemptville, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada
| | - Helen Schwantje
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Caeley Thacker
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Susan Knowles
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hugh Y. Cai
- Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel A. Grear
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gaydos JK, St Leger J, Raverty S, Nollens H, Haulena M, Ward EJ, Emmons CK, Hanson MB, Balcomb K, Ellifrit D, Weiss MN, Giles D. Epidemiology of skin changes in endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286551. [PMID: 37379317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Photographic identification catalogs of individual killer whales (Orcinus orca) over time provide a tool for remote health assessment. We retrospectively examined digital photographs of Southern Resident killer whales in the Salish Sea to characterize skin changes and to determine if they could be an indicator of individual, pod, or population health. Using photographs collected from 2004 through 2016 from 18,697 individual whale sightings, we identified six lesions (cephalopod, erosions, gray patches, gray targets, orange on gray, and pinpoint black discoloration). Of 141 whales that were alive at some point during the study, 99% had photographic evidence of skin lesions. Using a multivariate model including age, sex, pod, and matriline across time, the point prevalence of the two most prevalent lesions, gray patches and gray targets, varied between pods and between years and showed small differences between stage classes. Despite minor differences, we document a strong increase in point prevalence of both lesion types in all three pods from 2004 through 2016. The health significance of this is not clear, but the possible relationship between these lesions and decreasing body condition and immunocompetence in an endangered, non-recovering population is a concern. Understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of these lesions is important to better understand the health significance of these skin changes that are increasing in prevalence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Gaydos
- The SeaDoc Society, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center - Orcas Island Office, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Eastsound, Washington, United States of America
| | - Judy St Leger
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hendrik Nollens
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | - Eric J Ward
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Candice K Emmons
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - M Bradley Hanson
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ken Balcomb
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
| | - Dave Ellifrit
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael N Weiss
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
| | - Deborah Giles
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee K, Alava JJ, Cottrell P, Cottrell L, Grace R, Zysk I, Raverty S. Emerging Contaminants and New POPs (PFAS and HBCDD) in Endangered Southern Resident and Bigg's (Transient) Killer Whales ( Orcinus orca): In Utero Maternal Transfer and Pollution Management Implications. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:360-374. [PMID: 36512803 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been deemed one of the most contaminated cetacean species in the world. However, concentrations and potential health implications of selected 'contaminants of emerging concern' (CECs) and new persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in endangered Southern Resident and threatened Bigg's (Transient) killer whales in the Northeastern Pacific (NEP) have not yet been documented. Here, we quantify CECs [alkylphenols (APs), triclosan, methyl triclosan, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and new POPs [hexabromocyclododecane (HBCCD), PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS] in skeletal muscle and liver samples of these sentinel species and investigate in utero transfer of these contaminants. Samples were collected from necropsied individuals from 2006 to 2018 and analyzed by LC-MS/MS or HRBC/HRMS. AP and PFAS contaminants were the most prevalent compounds; 4-nonylphenol (4NP) was the predominant AP (median 40.84 ng/g ww), and interestingly, 7:3-fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (7:3 FTCA) was the primary PFAS (median 66.35 ng/g ww). Maternal transfer ratios indicated 4NP as the most transferred contaminant from the dam to the fetus, with maternal transfer rates as high as 95.1%. Although too few killer whales have been screened for CECs and new POPs to infer the magnitude of contamination impact, these results raise concerns regarding pathological implications and potential impacts on fetal development and production of a viable neonate. This study outlines CEC and new POP concentrations in killer whales of the NEP and provides scientifically derived evidence to support and inform regulation to mitigate pollutant sources and contamination of Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat and other marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiah Lee
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Paul Cottrell
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, 401 Burrard Street, Vancouver V6C 3S4, Canada
| | - Lauren Cottrell
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Cunningham Building 202, Victoria V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Richard Grace
- SGS AXYS Analytical Services Ltd, 2045 Mills Road W, Sidney V8L 5X2, Canada
| | - Ivona Zysk
- SGS AXYS Analytical Services Ltd, 2045 Mills Road W, Sidney V8L 5X2, Canada
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Animal Health Centre, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford V3G 2M3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lillie MA, Vogl AW, Gerard SG, Raverty S, Shadwick RE. Retia mirabilia: Protecting the cetacean brain from locomotion-generated blood pressure pulses. Science 2022; 377:1452-1456. [PMID: 36137023 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn3315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Cetaceans have massive vascular plexuses (retia mirabilia) whose function is unknown. All cerebral blood flow passes through these retia, and we hypothesize that they protect cetacean brains from locomotion-generated pulsatile blood pressures. We propose that cetaceans have evolved a pulse-transfer mechanism that minimizes pulsatility in cerebral arterial-to-venous pressure differentials without dampening the pressure pulses themselves. We tested this hypothesis using a computational model based on morphology from 11 species and found that the large arterial capacitance in the retia, coupled with the small extravascular capacitance in the cranium and vertebral canal, could protect the cerebral vasculature from 97% of systemic pulsatility. Evolution of the retial complex in cetaceans-likely linked to the development of dorsoventral fluking-offers a distinctive solution to adverse locomotion-generated vascular pulsatility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Lillie
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - A W Vogl
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - S G Gerard
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - S Raverty
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - R E Shadwick
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Berhane Y, Joseph T, Lung O, Embury-Hyatt C, Xu W, Cottrell P, Raverty S. Isolation and Characterization of Novel Reassortant Influenza A(H10N7) Virus in a Harbor Seal, British Columbia, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1480-1484. [PMID: 35731188 PMCID: PMC9239883 DOI: 10.3201/eid2807.212302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We isolated a novel reassortant influenza A(H10N7) virus from a harbor seal in British Columbia, Canada, that died from bronchointerstitial pneumonia. The virus had unique genome constellations involving lineages from North America and Eurasia and polymerase basic 2 segment D701N mutation, associated with adaptation to mammals.
Collapse
|
7
|
Nourbakhsh H, Adams A, Raverty S, Vogl AW, Haulena M, Skoretz SA. Microscopic Anatomy of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina): Functional Adaptations to Swallowing. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 306:947-959. [PMID: 35719006 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abandoned harbour seal pups (Phoca vitulina) are frequently recovered by rehabilitation centres and often require intensive nursing, gavage feeding and swallowing rehabilitation prior to anticipated release. Seal upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) histology descriptions relevant to deglutition are limited, impacting advances in rehabilitation practice. Therefore, we examined the histological characteristics of the harbour seal UAT to understand species-specific functional anatomy and characterize adaptations. To this end, we conducted gross dissections, compiled measurements and reviewed histologic features of the UAT structures of 14 pre-weaned harbour seal pups that died due to natural causes or were humanely euthanized. Representative samples for histologic evaluation included the tongue, salivary glands, epiglottis, and varying levels of the trachea and esophagus. Histologically, there was a prominent muscularis in the tongue with fewer lingual papillae types compared to humans. Abundant submucosal glands were observed in lateral and pharyngeal parts of the tongue and rostral parts of the esophagus. When compared to other mammalian species, there was a disproportionate increase in the amount of striated muscle throughout the length of the esophageal muscularis externa. This may indicate a lesser degree of autonomic control over the esophageal phase of swallowing in harbour seals. Our study represents the first detailed UAT histological descriptions for neonatal harbour seals. Collectively, these findings support specific anatomic and biomechanic adaptations relevant to suckling, prehension and deglutition. This work will inform rehabilitation practices and guide future studies on swallowing physiology in harbour seals with potential applications to other pinniped and otariid species in rehabilitation settings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirad Nourbakhsh
- School of Audiology & Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Arlo Adams
- Life Sciences Institute & Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Center, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC
| | - A Wayne Vogl
- Life Sciences Institute & Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Martin Haulena
- Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, Vancouver, BC
| | - Stacey A Skoretz
- School of Audiology & Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Teman SJ, Gaydos JK, Norman SA, Huggins JL, Lambourn DM, Calambokidis J, Ford JKB, Hanson MB, Haulena M, Zabek E, Cottrell P, Hoang L, Morshed M, Garner MM, Raverty S. Epizootiology of a Cryptococcus gattii outbreak in porpoises and dolphins from the Salish Sea. Dis Aquat Organ 2021; 146:129-143. [PMID: 34672263 DOI: 10.3354/dao03630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is a fungal pathogen that primarily affects the respiratory and nervous systems of humans and other animals. C. gattii emerged in temperate North America in 1999 as a multispecies outbreak of cryptococcosis in British Columbia (Canada) and Washington State and Oregon (USA), affecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Here we describe the C. gattii epizootic in odontocetes. Cases of C. gattii were identified in 42 odontocetes in Washington and British Columbia between 1997 and 2016. Species affected included harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena (n = 26), Dall's porpoises Phocoenoides dalli (n = 14), and Pacific white-sided dolphins Lagenorhynchus obliquidens (n = 2). The probable index case was identified in an adult male Dall's porpoise in 1997, 2 yr prior to the initial terrestrial outbreak. The spatiotemporal extent of the C. gattii epizootic was defined, and cases in odontocetes were found to be clustered around terrestrial C. gattii hotspots. Case-control analyses with stranded, uninfected odontocetes revealed that risk factors for infection were species (Dall's porpoises), age class (adult animals), and season (winter). This study suggests that mycoses are an emerging source of mortality for odontocetes, and that outbreaks may be associated with anthropogenic environmental disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Teman
- The SeaDoc Society, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center - Orcas Island Office, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
West KL, Silva-Krott I, Landrau-Giovannetti N, Rotstein D, Saliki J, Raverty S, Nielsen O, Popov VL, Davis N, Walker WA, Subramaniam K, Waltzek TB. Novel cetacean morbillivirus in a rare Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) stranding from Maui, Hawai'i. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15986. [PMID: 34373473 PMCID: PMC8352961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a global threat to cetaceans. We report a novel morbillivirus from a Fraser’s dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) that stranded in Maui, Hawaii in 2018 that is dissimilar to the beaked whale morbillivirus previously identified from Hawaii and to other CeMV strains. Histopathological findings included intranuclear inclusions in bile duct epithelium, lymphoid depletion, rare syncytial cells and non-suppurative meningitis. Cerebellum and lung tissue homogenates were inoculated onto Vero.DogSLAMtag cells for virus isolation and cytopathic effects were observed, resulting in the formation of multinucleated giant cells (i.e., syncytia). Transmission electron microscopy of infected cell cultures also revealed syncytial cells with intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions of viral nucleocapsids, consistent with the ultrastructure of a morbillivirus. Samples of the cerebellum, lung, liver, spleen and lymph nodes were positive for morbillivirus using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The resulting 559 bp L gene sequence had the highest nucleotide identity (77.3%) to porpoise morbillivirus from Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. The resulting 248 bp P gene had the highest nucleotide identity to porpoise morbillivirus in Northern Ireland and the Netherlands and to a stranded Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) in Brazil (66.9%). As Fraser’s dolphins are a pelagic species that infrequently strand, a novel strain of CeMV may be circulating in the central Pacific that could have additional population impacts through transmission to other small island-associated cetacean species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristi L West
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI, USA. .,Human Nutrition Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Ilse Silva-Krott
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI, USA
| | - Nelmarie Landrau-Giovannetti
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Jeremiah Saliki
- Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Center, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Ole Nielsen
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Vsevolod L Popov
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nicole Davis
- Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - William A Walker
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kuttichantran Subramaniam
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas B Waltzek
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moore MJ, Rowles TK, Fauquier DA, Baker JD, Biedron I, Durban JW, Hamilton PK, Henry AG, Knowlton AR, McLellan WA, Miller CA, Pace RM, Pettis HM, Raverty S, Rolland RM, Schick RS, Sharp SM, Smith CR, Thomas L, der Hoop JMV, Ziccardi MH. REVIEW: Assessing North Atlantic right whale health: threats, and development of tools critical for conservation of the species. Dis Aquat Organ 2021; 143:205-226. [PMID: 33629663 DOI: 10.3354/dao03578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Whaling has decimated North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis (NARW) since the 11th century and southern right whales E. australis (SRW) since the 19th century. Today, NARWs are Critically Endangered and decreasing, whereas SRWs are recovering. We review NARW health assessment literature, NARW Consortium databases, and efforts and limitations to monitor individual and species health, survival, and fecundity. Photographs are used to track individual movement and external signs of health such as evidence of vessel and entanglement trauma. Post-mortem examinations establish cause of death and determine organ pathology. Photogrammetry is used to assess growth rates and body condition. Samples of blow, skin, blubber, baleen and feces quantify hormones that provide information on stress, reproduction, and nutrition, identify microbiome changes, and assess evidence of infection. We also discuss models of the population consequences of multiple stressors, including the connection between human activities (e.g. entanglement) and health. Lethal and sublethal vessel and entanglement trauma have been identified as major threats to the species. There is a clear and immediate need for expanding trauma reduction measures. Beyond these major concerns, further study is needed to evaluate the impact of other stressors, such as pathogens, microbiome changes, and algal and industrial toxins, on NARW reproductive success and health. Current and new health assessment tools should be developed and used to monitor the effectiveness of management measures and will help determine whether they are sufficient for a substantive species recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Moore
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA 02543, USA Co-authors' addresses given in a supplement; www.int-res.com/articles/suppl/d143p205_supp.pdf
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Raverty S, St. Leger J, Noren DP, Burek Huntington K, Rotstein DS, Gulland FMD, Ford JKB, Hanson MB, Lambourn DM, Huggins J, Delaney MA, Spaven L, Rowles T, Barre L, Cottrell P, Ellis G, Goldstein T, Terio K, Duffield D, Rice J, Gaydos JK. Pathology findings and correlation with body condition index in stranded killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the northeastern Pacific and Hawaii from 2004 to 2013. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242505. [PMID: 33264305 PMCID: PMC7710042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding health and mortality in killer whales (Orcinus orca) is crucial for management and conservation actions. We reviewed pathology reports from 53 animals that stranded in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Hawaii between 2004 and 2013 and used data from 35 animals that stranded from 2001 to 2017 to assess association with morphometrics, blubber thickness, body condition and cause of death. Of the 53 cases, cause of death was determined for 22 (42%) and nine additional animals demonstrated findings of significant importance for population health. Causes of calf mortalities included infectious disease, nutritional, and congenital malformations. Mortalities in sub-adults were due to trauma, malnutrition, and infectious disease and in adults due to bacterial infections, emaciation and blunt force trauma. Death related to human interaction was found in every age class. Important incidental findings included concurrent sarcocystosis and toxoplasmosis, uterine leiomyoma, vertebral periosteal proliferations, cookiecutter shark (Isistius sp.) bite wounds, excessive tooth wear and an ingested fish hook. Blubber thickness increased significantly with body length (all p < 0.001). In contrast, there was no relationship between body length and an index of body condition (BCI). BCI was higher in animals that died from trauma. This study establishes a baseline for understanding health, nutritional status and causes of mortality in stranded killer whales. Given the evidence of direct human interactions on all age classes, in order to be most successful recovery efforts should address the threat of human interactions, especially for small endangered groups of killer whales that occur in close proximity to large human populations, interact with recreational and commercial fishers and transit established shipping lanes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Judy St. Leger
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Dawn P. Noren
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - David S. Rotstein
- Marine Mammal Pathology Service, Olney, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Frances M. D. Gulland
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - John K. B. Ford
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Science Branch, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M. Bradley Hanson
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Dyanna M. Lambourn
- Marine Mammal Investigations, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lakewood, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jessie Huggins
- Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington, United States of America
| | - Martha A. Delaney
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lisa Spaven
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Science Branch, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Teri Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lynne Barre
- West Coast Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Paul Cottrell
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Graeme Ellis
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Science Branch, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tracey Goldstein
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Karen Terio
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Debbie Duffield
- Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jim Rice
- Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Joseph K. Gaydos
- The SeaDoc Society, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center - Orcas Island Office, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Eastsound, Washington, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rodrigues TCS, Nielsen O, Burek-Huntington KA, Popov VL, Raverty S, Lambourn DM, Subramaniam K, Waltzek TB. Genomic Characterization of Picornaviruses Isolated From Ribbon ( Histriophoca fasciata) and Harbor ( Phoca vitulina) Seals. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:554716. [PMID: 33195526 PMCID: PMC7661754 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.554716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The seal picornavirus 1, species Aquamavirus A, is currently the only recognized member of the genus Aquamavirus within the family Picornaviridae. The bear picornavirus 1 was recently proposed as the second species in the genus under the name aquamavirus B. Herein, we determined the complete genomes of two novel pinniped picornaviruses, the harbor seal picornavirus (HsPV) and the ribbon seal picornavirus (RsPV). The HsPV and the RsPV were isolated in Vero.DogSLAMtag cells from samples collected from stranded harbor (Phoca vitulina) and ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata) seals. RsPV-infected Vero.DogSLAMtag cells displaying extensive cytopathic effects were processed for transmission electron microscopy and revealed non-enveloped viral particles aggregated into paracrystalline arrays in the cytoplasm. A next-generation sequencing approach was used to recover the complete genomes of the HsPV and the RsPV (6,709 and 6,683 bp, respectively). Phylogenetic and genetic analyses supported the HsPV and the RsPV as members of the Aquamavirus genus. Based on these results, RsPV represents a novel strain of Aquamavirus A, while the HsPV is a novel strain of the proposed species aquamavirus B. These discoveries provide information on the evolutionary relationships and ultrastructure of aquamaviruses and expands the known host range of those viruses. Our results underscore the importance of the application of classical virology and pathology techniques coupled with high-throughput sequencing technologies for the discovery and characterization of pathogens in wild marine mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais C S Rodrigues
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ole Nielsen
- Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Vsevolod L Popov
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Center, Abbotsford Agriculture Centre, Provincial Government of British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Dyanna M Lambourn
- Marine Mammal Investigations, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lakewood, WA, United States
| | - Kuttichantran Subramaniam
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Thomas B Waltzek
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Adams A, Vogl W, Dawson C, Raverty S, Haulena M, Skoretz SA. Laryngeal and soft palate valving in the harbour seal ( Phoca vitulina). J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb230201. [PMID: 32895326 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.230201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Effective 'valving' in the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) is essential to temporarily separate the digestive and respiratory pathways. Marine mammals are largely dedicated to feeding underwater, and in many cases swallowing prey whole. In seals, little work has been done to explore the anatomy and function of the UAT in the context of valving mechanisms that function to separate food and air pathways. Here we use videofluoroscopy, gross dissection, histology and computed tomography (CT) renderings to explore the anatomy of the larynx and soft palate in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina), and generate models for how valving mechanisms in the head and neck may function during breathing, phonating, diving and swallowing. Harbour seals have an elevated larynx and the epiglottis may rise above the level of the soft palate, particularly in pups when sucking. In addition, the corniculate and arytenoid cartilages with associated muscles form most of the lateral margins of the laryngeal inlet and vestibule, and move independently to facilitate airway closure. The corniculate cartilages flex over the laryngeal inlet beneath the epiglottis to completely close the laryngeal vestibule and inlet. The vocal folds are thick and muscular and the medial margin of the folds contains a small vocal ligament. The soft palate has well-defined levator veli palatini muscles that probably function to elevate the palate and close the pharyngeal isthmus during feeding. Our results support the conclusion that harbour seals have evolved UAT valving mechanisms as adaptations to a marine environment that are not seen in terrestrial carnivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arlo Adams
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Wayne Vogl
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Camilla Dawson
- School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z3
- University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | | | | | - Stacey A Skoretz
- School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z3
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2B7
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nourbakhsh H, Adams A, Vogl W, Dawson C, Raverty S, Haulena M, Skoretz SA. Designing a Measurement Methodology for the Upper Aerodigestive Tract of
Phoca vitulina. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.03500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stacey A. Skoretz
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- St. Paul's Hospital
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Denk D, Morrison L, Raverty S, Whiteside D, Dobbs P. Five Cases of Gastric Pneumatosis in Black and White Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia variegata). J Comp Pathol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2019.10.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
16
|
Murphy BG, Dickinson P, Marcellin-Little DJ, Batcher K, Raverty S, Bannasch D. Pathologic Features of the Intervertebral Disc in Young Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Confirms Chondrodystrophy Degenerative Phenotype Associated With Genotype. Vet Pathol 2019; 56:895-902. [PMID: 31526126 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819868731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chondrodystrophy results in predictable and progressive biochemical and structural changes to the intervertebral disc, resulting in early onset degeneration and dystrophic mineralization of the disc. Accelerated degeneration and mineralization of the intervertebral disc are common in multiple dog breeds and can result in compromised function, herniation, pain, and a variety of neurological sequelae. A mutation responsible for chondrodystrophy in dogs has been identified as an aberrant fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) retrogene insertion on chromosome 12 (CFA12) and is associated with short stature of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Segregation of the CFA12 FGF4 retrogene in this dog breed provides an opportunity to examine the effect of retrogene presence on radiographic and histologic appearance of chondrodystrophic disc degeneration within a single breed. Here we found that in the intervertebral discs isolated from 2 dogs with the CFA12 FGF4 genotype, the nucleus pulposus was largely replaced by cartilaginous tissue, and physaliferous notochordal cells were rarely if ever identified. These findings are in contrast to the normal histologic findings in 2 breed-matched dogs lacking the mutation. The findings are consistent with premature chondroid degeneration of the intervertebral disc and suggest that the presence of the CFA12 FGF4 retrogene is sufficient to cause the chondrodystrophic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian G Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Peter Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Denis J Marcellin-Little
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Batcher
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Danika Bannasch
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bourque LA, Raverty S, Co C, Lillie BN, Daoust PY, Clark ME, Caswell JL. Benzo(a)pyrene suppresses tracheal antimicrobial peptide gene expression in bovine tracheal epithelial cells. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2018; 203:40-46. [PMID: 30243371 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cetaceans, which are also threatened by environmental degradation caused by crude oil spills. Following oil spills, cetaceans at the water surface may inhale droplets of oil containing toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which could potentially alter respiratory immunity via activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and its subsequent interaction with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides secreted by airway epithelial cells and their expression is known to be dependent on NF-κB. We hypothesized that PAHs may suppress the expression of β-defensins, and thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of pneumonia. This hypothesis was modeled by measuring the in vitro effects of benzo(a)pyrene (BAP), phenanthrene, and naphthalene on tracheal antimicrobial peptide (TAP) gene expression in bovine tracheal epithelial cells. Stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced 20 ± 17-fold (mean ± SD) increased TAP gene expression. Exposure of tracheal epithelial cells to 5 μM BAP for 4 or 8 h, followed by incubation with a combination of LPS and 5 μM BAP for another 16 h, significantly (P = 0.002) suppressed LPS-induced TAP gene expression by 40.6 ± 21.8% (mean ± SD) in tracheal epithelial cells from 9 calves tested. BAP-induced suppression of TAP gene expression coincided with induction of cytochrome P450 1A1 gene expression. In contrast, phenanthrene and naphthalene had no consistent effect, and exposure to PAHs did not significantly affect constitutive TAP gene expression (i.e. without LPS). These findings characterize the suppressive effects of BAP-a toxic pollutant found in crude oil-on this respiratory innate immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Bourque
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON, Canada; Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, C1A 4P3 Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Center, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, V3G 2M3 Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
| | - Carmon Co
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Brandon N Lillie
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Pierre-Yves Daoust
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, C1A 4P3 Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
| | - Mary Ellen Clark
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff L Caswell
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lillie MA, Vogl AW, Raverty S, Haulena M, McLellan WA, Stenson GB, Shadwick RE. The caval sphincter in cetaceans and its predicted role in controlling venous flow during a dive. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.177212. [PMID: 29674378 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.177212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A sphincter on the inferior vena cava can protect the heart of a diving mammal from overload when elevated abdominal pressures increase venous return, yet sphincters are reported incompetent or absent in some cetacean species. We previously hypothesized that abdominal pressures are elevated and pulsatile in fluking cetaceans, and that collagen is deposited on the diaphragm according to pressure levels to resist deformation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that cetaceans generating high abdominal pressures need a more robust sphincter than those generating low pressures. We examined diaphragm morphology in seven cetacean and five pinniped species. All odontocetes had morphologically similar sphincters despite large differences in collagen content, and mysticetes had muscle that could modulate caval flow. These findings do not support the hypothesis that sphincter structure correlates with abdominal pressures. To understand why a sphincter is needed, we simulated the impact of oscillating abdominal pressures on caval flow. Under low abdominal pressures, simulated flow oscillated with each downstroke. Under elevated pressures, a vascular waterfall formed, greatly smoothing flow. We hypothesize that cetaceans maintain high abdominal pressures to moderate venous return and protect the heart while fluking, and use their sphincters only during low-fluking periods when abdominal pressures are low. We suggest that pinnipeds, which do not fluke, maintain low abdominal pressures. Simulations also showed that retrograde oscillations could be transmitted upstream from the cetacean abdomen and into the extradural veins, with potentially adverse repercussions for the cerebral circulation. We propose that locomotion-generated pressures have influenced multiple aspects of the cetacean vascular system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margo A Lillie
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - A Wayne Vogl
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3, Canada
| | - Martin Haulena
- Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, PO Box 3232, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
| | - William A McLellan
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | | | - Robert E Shadwick
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Norman S, Hanson M, Huggins J, Lambourn D, Calambokidis J, Cottrell P, Greene A, Raverty S, Berta S, Dubpernell S, Klope M, Olson J, Jeffries S, Carrasco M, Souze V, Elsby A, McLean C, Carlson B, Emmons C, Gaydos J. Conception, fetal growth, and calving seasonality of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Salish Sea waters of Washington, USA, and southern British Columbia, Canada. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758)) strandings in the Salish Sea to determine calving seasonality (1980–2015). A total of 443 strandings were analyzed, of which 134 were calves and 53 were neonates. Stranded calves were reported every month, but peaked in July, August, and September. Based on fetal size and an estimated fetal growth rate of 80 mm/month, mean (±SD) conception date (and range) was back-calculated to 11 October ± 30 days (16 August – 31 December) and was later than in most other studies. Using mean (±SD) length at birth (80 ± 5.8 cm), gestation was estimated to be approximately 10.8 months. Estimated birthing period was 16 July – 27 November, with a mean (±SD) birth date of 10 September (±30.7 days) and a birth length of 80.0 cm. Estimated pregnancy rate (0.28–0.29) is lower than reported in other areas and is likely an underestimate due to missed early embryos, poor postmortem condition of a large proportion of the stranded adult females, and potential biases related to the animals that strand and are available. This study of harbor porpoise reproduction and calving in the Salish Sea is the first assessment of calving seasonality for this species in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S.A. Norman
- Marine-Med: Marine Research, Epidemiology, and Veterinary Medicine, 24225 15th Place Southeast, Bothell, WA 98021, USA
| | - M.B. Hanson
- NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - J. Huggins
- Cascadia Research, 218½ West Fourth Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
| | - D. Lambourn
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Investigations, 7801 Phillips Road Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
| | - J. Calambokidis
- Cascadia Research, 218½ West Fourth Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
| | - P. Cottrell
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries Management Branch, Suite 200-401 Burrard, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4, Canada
| | - A. Greene
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries Management Branch, Suite 200-401 Burrard, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4, Canada
| | - S. Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3, Canada
| | - S. Berta
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - S. Dubpernell
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - M. Klope
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - J.K. Olson
- The Whale Museum, 62 First Street North, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
| | - S.J. Jeffries
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Investigations, 7801 Phillips Road Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
| | - M. Carrasco
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - V. Souze
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - A. Elsby
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - C. McLean
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center, 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
| | - B. Carlson
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center, 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
| | - C. Emmons
- NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - J.K. Gaydos
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center-Orcas Island Office, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 942 Deer Harbor Road, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lillie MA, Vogl AW, Raverty S, Haulena M, McLellan WA, Stenson GB, Shadwick RE. Controlling thoracic pressures in cetaceans during a breath-hold dive: importance of the diaphragm. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:3464-3477. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.162289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Internal pressures change throughout a cetacean's body during swimming or diving, and uneven pressures between the thoracic and abdominal compartments can affect the cardiovascular system. Pressure differentials could arise from ventral compression on each fluke downstroke or by a faster equilibration of the abdominal compartment with changing ambient ocean pressures compared with the thoracic compartment. If significant pressure differentials do develop, we would expect the morphology of the diaphragm to adapt to its in vivo loading. Here, we tested the hypothesis that significant pressure differentials develop between the thoracic and abdominal cavities in diving cetaceans by examining diaphragms from several cetacean and pinniped species. We found that: (1) regions of cetacean diaphragms possess subserosal collagen fibres that would stabilize the diaphragm against craniocaudal stretch; (2) subserosal collagen covers 5–60% of the thoracic diaphragm surface, and area correlates strongly with published values for swimming speed of each cetacean species (P<0.001); and (3) pinnipeds, which do not locomote by vertical fluking, do not possess this subserosal collagen. These results strongly suggest that this collagen is associated with loads experienced during a dive, and they support the hypothesis that diving cetaceans experience periods during which abdominal pressures significantly exceed thoracic pressures. Our results are consistent with the generation of pressure differentials by fluking and by different compartmental equilibration rates. Pressure differentials during diving would affect venous and arterial perfusion and alter transmural pressures in abdominal arteries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margo A. Lillie
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - A. Wayne Vogl
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V3G 2M3
| | - Martin Haulena
- Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, PO Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6G 3E2
| | - William A. McLellan
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | | | - Robert E. Shadwick
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fenton H, Daoust PY, Forzán MJ, Vanderstichel RV, Ford JKB, Spaven L, Lair S, Raverty S. Causes of mortality of harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada. Dis Aquat Organ 2017; 122:171-183. [PMID: 28117296 DOI: 10.3354/dao03080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing public interest in the overall health of the marine environment. Harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena have a coastal distribution, and stranded animals function as sentinels for population and ecosystem health. The goal of this retrospective study was to join datasets from the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific coasts of Canada to investigate causes of morbidity and mortality in this species. A total of 241 necropsy records were reviewed including 147 (61%) from the Pacific region and 94 (39%) from the Atlantic region from 1988 to 2011. A cause of death could be determined with confidence in 118 (49%) of these cases. Of these 118 cases, the leading cause of mortality for both regions, together and separately, was infectious disease. In the Pacific region, this was followed by traumatic and anthropogenic causes, whereas in the Atlantic region, it was followed by emaciation/starvation, mortality of dependent calves, and anthropogenic causes. Pathogens of potential zoonotic significance or indicative of environmental contamination, e.g. Salmonella sp. and Cryptococcus gattii, were identified. Numerous parasitic species were observed within the lungs, liver, stomach, middle ear, and subcutaneous tissues, although they were usually interpreted as incidental findings. Anthropogenic causes may be underrepresented as they are notoriously difficult to diagnose with certainty, thereby making up a proportion of the 'unknown causes of death' (51%) category. Improved standardization of data collection and documentation is required to better understand harbor porpoise and ecosystem health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Fenton
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Colegrove KM, Venn-Watson S, Litz J, Kinsel MJ, Terio KA, Fougeres E, Ewing R, Pabst DA, McLellan WA, Raverty S, Saliki J, Fire S, Rappucci G, Bowen-Stevens S, Noble L, Costidis A, Barbieri M, Field C, Smith S, Carmichael RH, Chevis C, Hatchett W, Shannon D, Tumlin M, Lovewell G, McFee W, Rowles TK. Fetal distress and in utero pneumonia in perinatal dolphins during the Northern Gulf of Mexico unusual mortality event. Dis Aquat Organ 2016; 119:1-16. [PMID: 27068499 DOI: 10.3354/dao02969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
An unusual mortality event (UME) involving primarily common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus of all size classes stranding along coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, USA, started in early 2010 and continued into 2014. During this northern Gulf of Mexico UME, a distinct cluster of perinatal dolphins (total body length <115 cm) stranded in Mississippi and Alabama during 2011. The proportion of annual dolphin strandings that were perinates between 2009 and 2013 were compared to baseline strandings (2000-2005). A case-reference study was conducted to compare demographics, histologic lesions, and Brucella sp. infection prevalence in 69 UME perinatal dolphins to findings from 26 reference perinates stranded in South Carolina and Florida outside of the UME area. Compared to reference perinates, UME perinates were more likely to have died in utero or very soon after birth (presence of atelectasis in 88 vs. 15%, p < 0.0001), have fetal distress (87 vs. 27%, p < 0.0001), and have pneumonia not associated with lungworm infection (65 vs. 19%, p = 0.0001). The percentage of perinates with Brucella sp. infections identified via lung PCR was higher among UME perinates stranding in Mississippi and Alabama compared to reference perinates (61 vs. 24%, p = 0.01), and multiple different Brucella omp genetic sequences were identified in UME perinates. These results support that from 2011 to 2013, during the northern Gulf of Mexico UME, bottlenose dolphins were particularly susceptible to late-term pregnancy failures and development of in utero infections including brucellosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Colegrove
- Zoological Pathology Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Maywood, IL 60153
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gutierrez DB, Fahlman A, Gardner M, Kleinhenz D, Piscitelli M, Raverty S, Haulena M, Zimba PV. Phosphatidylcholine composition of pulmonary surfactant from terrestrial and marine diving mammals. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2015; 211:29-36. [PMID: 25812797 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Marine mammals are repeatedly exposed to elevated extra-thoracic pressure and alveolar collapse during diving and readily experience alveolar expansion upon inhalation - a unique capability as compared to terrestrial mammals. How marine mammal lungs overcome the challenges of frequent alveolar collapse and recruitment remains unknown. Recent studies indicate that pinniped lung surfactant has more anti-adhesive components compared to terrestrial mammals, which would aid in alveolar opening. However, pulmonary surfactant composition has not yet been investigated in odontocetes, whose physiology and diving behavior differ from pinnipeds. The aim of this study was to investigate the phosphatidylcholine (PC) composition of lung surfactants from various marine mammals and compare these to a terrestrial mammal. We found an increase in anti-adhesive PC species in harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) compared to dog (Canus lupus familiaris), as well as an increase in the fluidizing PCs 16:0/14:0 and 16:0/16:1 in pinnipeds compared to odontocetes. The harbor porpoise (a representative of the odontocetes) did not have higher levels of fluidizing PCs compared to dog. Our preliminary results support previous findings that pinnipeds may have adapted unique surfactant compositions that allow them to dive at high pressures for extended periods without adverse effects. Future studies will need to investigate the differences in other surfactant components to fully assess the surfactant composition in odontocetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle B Gutierrez
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
| | - Andreas Fahlman
- Comparative Physiology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
| | - Manuela Gardner
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
| | - Danielle Kleinhenz
- Comparative Physiology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
| | - Marina Piscitelli
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Animal Health Center, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3, Canada; Fisheries Centre, The University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Martin Haulena
- Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada.
| | - Paul V Zimba
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Spraker TR, Lyons ET, Kuzmina TA, Tift MS, Raverty S, Jaggi N, Crocker DE. Causes of death in preweaned northern elephant seal pups (Mirounga angustirostris, Gill, 1866), Año Nuevo State Reserve, California, 2012. J Vet Diagn Invest 2014; 26:320-6. [PMID: 24590664 DOI: 10.1177/1040638714523427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During an ongoing physiological ecology study on pups and adult female northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris, Gill, 1866) on the mainland rookery at Año Nuevo State Reserve (California), an opportunity was afforded to collect fresh dead pups for parasitology and necropsy. The investigation was undertaken to delineate the causes of death of northern elephant seals recovered from Año Nuevo State Reserve. Prior to this study, there was no evidence of increased mortality or health problems on this rookery. Necropsies, histology, and ancillary diagnostic studies were conducted on 21 fresh dead preweaned pups. Ages ranged from 1 stillbirth to pups approximately 2 weeks of age. Gross lesions included varying degrees of bruising, hemorrhage, lacerations, and fractures attributed to blunt force trauma to the head, chest, and/or abdomen in 16 pups; starvation in 6 pups; bite wounds in 2 pups; generalized icterus in 2 pups; presumptive drowning in 2 pups; and 1 stillbirth. Most pups had multiple gross lesions. Following light microscopic examination, pups could be assigned into 4 general diagnostic categories: 1) trauma, 2) nutritional status, 3) infectious conditions, and 4) congenital anomalies. This investigation of preweaned pup mortality of northern elephant seals in California further refines diagnostic categories for perinatal pup mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terry R Spraker
- 1Terry R. Spraker, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1601.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Moore MJ, der Hoop JV, Barco SG, Costidis AM, Gulland FM, Jepson PD, Moore KT, Raverty S, McLellan WA. Criteria and case definitions for serious injury and death of pinnipeds and cetaceans caused by anthropogenic trauma. Dis Aquat Organ 2013; 103:229-64. [PMID: 23574708 DOI: 10.3354/dao02566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem examination of dead and live stranded beach-cast pinnipeds and cetaceans for determination of a cause of death provides valuable information for the management, mitigation and prosecution of unintentional and sometimes malicious human impacts, such as vessel collision, fishing gear entanglement and gunshot. Delayed discovery, inaccessibility, logistics, human safety concerns, and weather make these events challenging. Over the past 3 decades, in response to public concern and federal and state or provincial regulations mandating such investigations to inform mitigation efforts, there has been an increasing effort to objectively and systematically investigate these strandings from a diagnostic and forensic perspective. This Theme Section provides basic investigative methods, and case definitions for each of the more commonly recognized case presentations of human interactions in pinnipeds and cetaceans. Wild animals are often adversely affected by factors such as parasitism, anthropogenic contaminants, biotoxins, subclinical microbial infections and competing habitat uses, such as prey depletion and elevated background and episodic noise. Understanding the potential contribution of these subclinical factors in predisposing or contributing to a particular case of trauma of human origin is hampered, especially where putrefaction is significant and resources as well as expertise are limited. These case criteria descriptions attempt to acknowledge those confounding factors to enable an appreciation of the significance of the observed human-derived trauma in that broader context where possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Moore
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Begeman L, St Leger JA, Blyde DJ, Jauniaux TP, Lair S, Lovewell G, Raverty S, Seibel H, Siebert U, Staggs SL, Martelli P, Keesler RI. Intestinal volvulus in cetaceans. Vet Pathol 2012; 50:590-6. [PMID: 23150643 DOI: 10.1177/0300985812465327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal volvulus was recognized as the cause of death in 18 cetaceans, including 8 species of toothed whales (suborder Odontoceti). Cases originated from 11 institutions from around the world and included both captive (n = 9) and free-ranging (n = 9) animals. When the clinical history was available (n = 9), animals consistently demonstrated acute dullness 1 to 5 days prior to death. In 3 of these animals (33%), there was a history of chronic gastrointestinal illness. The pathological findings were similar to those described in other animal species and humans, and consisted of intestinal volvulus and a well-demarcated segment of distended, congested, and edematous intestine with gas and bloody fluid contents. Associated lesions included congested and edematous mesentery and mesenteric lymph nodes, and often serofibrinous or hemorrhagic abdominal effusion. The volvulus involved the cranial part of the intestines in 85% (11 of 13). Potential predisposing causes were recognized in most cases (13 of 18, 72%) but were variable. Further studies investigating predisposing factors are necessary to help prevent occurrence and enhance early clinical diagnosis and management of the condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Begeman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Palacios G, Wellehan JFX, Raverty S, Bussetti AV, Hui J, Savji N, Nollens HH, Lambourn D, Celone C, Hutchison S, Calisher CH, Nielsen O, Lipkin WI. Discovery of an orthoreovirus in the aborted fetus of a Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). J Gen Virol 2011; 92:2558-2565. [PMID: 21795475 PMCID: PMC3352366 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.032649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
An aborted mid-gestational male Steller sea lion fetus with an attached placenta was recovered on the floor of an open floating capture trap located off Norris Rock near Denman Island, British Columbia. Viral culture of the placenta demonstrated cytopathic effect. Although no specific signal was obtained in microarray experiments using RNA obtained from viral culture, elution and sequence analysis revealed the presence of a reovirus. Complete genome pyrosequencing led to the identification of an orthoreovirus that we have tentatively named Steller sea lion reovirus (SSRV). Phylogenetic analysis revealed similarities between SSRV and orthoreoviruses of birds, bats and other mammals that suggests potential for interspecies transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Palacios
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - James F. X. Wellehan
- Marine Animal Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Center, Abbotsford Agriculture Centre, Provincial Government of British Columbia, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ana V. Bussetti
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hui
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nazir Savji
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hendrik H. Nollens
- Marine Animal Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dyanna Lambourn
- Marine Mammal Investigations, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Charles H. Calisher
- Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Ole Nielsen
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gibson AK, Raverty S, Lambourn DM, Huggins J, Magargal SL, Grigg ME. Polyparasitism is associated with increased disease severity in Toxoplasma gondii-infected marine sentinel species. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1142. [PMID: 21629726 PMCID: PMC3101184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1995, one of the largest outbreaks of human toxoplasmosis occurred in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Genetic typing identified a novel Toxoplasma gondii strain linked to the outbreak, in which a wide spectrum of human disease was observed. For this globally-distributed, water-borne zoonosis, strain type is one variable influencing disease, but the inability of strain type to consistently explain variations in disease severity suggests that parasite genotype alone does not determine the outcome of infection. We investigated polyparasitism (infection with multiple parasite species) as a modulator of disease severity by examining the association of concomitant infection of T. gondii and the related parasite Sarcocystis neurona with protozoal disease in wild marine mammals from the Pacific Northwest. These hosts ostensibly serve as sentinels for the detection of terrestrial parasites implicated in water-borne epidemics of humans and wildlife in this endemic region. Marine mammals (151 stranded and 10 healthy individuals) sampled over 6 years were assessed for protozoal infection using multi-locus PCR-DNA sequencing directly from host tissues. Genetic analyses uncovered a high prevalence and diversity of protozoa, with 147/161 (91%) of our sampled population infected. From 2004 to 2009, the relative frequency of S. neurona infections increased dramatically, surpassing that of T. gondii. The majority of T. gondii infections were by genotypes bearing Type I lineage alleles, though strain genotype was not associated with disease severity. Significantly, polyparasitism with S. neurona and T. gondii was common (42%) and was associated with higher mortality and more severe protozoal encephalitis. Our finding of widespread polyparasitism among marine mammals indicates pervasive contamination of waterways by zoonotic agents. Furthermore, the significant association of concomitant infection with mortality and protozoal encephalitis identifies polyparasitism as an important factor contributing to disease severity in marine mammals. Severity of toxoplasmosis, a water-borne zoonosis, varies widely from chronic and benign to acutely fatal. Here, we investigate polyparasitism (infection with multiple parasite species) as one factor governing the spectrum of disease in Toxoplasma gondii infections. This study utilized wild marine mammals as sentinels to detect contamination of waterways by T. gondii and a similar protozoan, Sarcocystis neurona, which have been linked to water-borne outbreaks in humans and wildlife along North America's Pacific Coast. Using genetic tools, we found high rates of protozoal infection, predominantly concomitant infections, in animals inhabiting major waterways of the Pacific Northwest. These dual infections of T. gondii and S. neurona were more frequently associated with mortality and protozoal encephalitis than single infections, indicating a role for polyparasitism in disease severity. Finally, rare T. gondii genotypes linked to a major human outbreak in the Pacific Northwest were abundant in marine mammals of the region, emphasizing wildlife as relevant sentinels for evaluation of human health risks. Our data implicate polyparasitism as a critical factor associated with the severity of protozoal disease. We also identify the need for vigilant surveillance of public waterways to prevent fecal contamination recurrently threatening human and wildlife health along the Pacific coast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Gibson
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
- Marine Mammal Research Unit, Fisheries Centre, Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory (AERL), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dyanna M. Lambourn
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lakewood, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jessica Huggins
- Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington, United States of America
| | - Spencer L. Magargal
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Norman SA, Raverty S, Zabek E, Etheridge S, Ford JKB, Hoang LMN, Morshed M. Maternal-fetal transmission of Cryptococcus gattii in harbor porpoise. Emerg Infect Dis 2011; 17:304-5. [PMID: 21291613 PMCID: PMC3204777 DOI: 10.3201/eid1702.101232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
30
|
Duncan C, Bartlett KH, Lester S, Bobsien B, Campbell J, Stephen C, Raverty S. Surveillance for Cryptococcus gattii in horses of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Med Mycol 2011; 49:734-8. [PMID: 21375433 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2011.560196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade Cryptococcus gattii has emerged as an important human and animal pathogen in southwestern British Columbia (BC), Canada. When the disease initially emerged it was identified in humans and multiple animal species on the east coast of Vancouver Island. From fall 2003 until summer 2004, active surveillance was initiated to look for horses exposed to or infected with the organism by performing nasal cultures and serum antigen testing in horses residing within 10 km of known areas of environmental reservoirs of the fungus. Surveillance efforts were facilitated by local equine practitioners who were also encouraged to report clinical cases. Nasal colonization was identified in four of the 260 horses tested but none had a serum cryptococcal antigen titer. All positive horses were from the same geographic area near Duncan, BC. During the study period, a single horse was diagnosed with systemic cryptococcosis and euthanized; clinical and post mortem information is described. As this organism continues to disseminate in the Pacific Northwest it is important for veterinarians to be familiar with the disease as early diagnosis may enable more effective treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Duncan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zuerner RL, Cameron CE, Raverty S, Robinson J, Colegrove KM, Norman SA, Lambourn D, Jeffries S, Alt DP, Gulland F. Geographical dissemination of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona during seasonal migration of California sea lions. Vet Microbiol 2008; 137:105-10. [PMID: 19186009 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2008] [Revised: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 12/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread bacterial zoonoses in the world and affects most mammalian species. Although leptospirosis is well documented and characterized in terrestrial species, less information is available regarding the distribution and impact of leptospirosis in marine mammals. Additionally, the role of animal migrations on the geographical spread of leptospirosis has not been reported. Periodic epizootic outbreaks of acute leptospirosis among California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) have been reported since 1971. In this study, we collected samples from California sea lions stranded along the Pacific coast of North America during the most recent epidemic in 2004, and maintained leptospirosis surveillance of the California sea lion population along the California coast through 2007. Several isolates of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona were obtained from kidney and urine samples collected during this study, a finding consistent with serological evidence that California sea lions are persistently exposed to this leptospiral serovar. Combined, these data support a model whereby California sea lions are maintenance hosts for L. interrogans serovar Pomona, yet periodically undergo outbreaks of acute infection. During the 2004 outbreak, the incidence of new leptospirosis cases among California sea lions coincided with the seasonal movement of male sea lions from rookeries along the coast of central and southern California north as far as British Columbia. These data show that seasonal animal movement contributes to the distribution of leptospirosis across a large geographical region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Zuerner
- Bacterial Diseases of Livestock, National Animal Disease Center, P.O. Box 70, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Whiteside DP, Shury TK, Black SR, Raverty S. Suspected cervical spinal cord vascular anomaly in an African warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). J Zoo Wildl Med 2007; 37:393-6. [PMID: 17319141 DOI: 10.1638/04-085.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular myelopathies of the spinal cord have not been described in Suidae, and are a rare finding in companion animals. An 8.5-yr female African warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) presented with an acute onset of tetraparesis. Based on neurologic findings, a cervical spinal cord lesion between C7-T2 was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe intramedullary hemorrhage with suspected abnormal vessels in the spinal cord at the level of the seventh cervical vertebrae. The acute onset of clinical signs and rapid deterioration of neurological status precluded surgical managements. A vascular anomaly was suspected on gross pathology and histology. Immunohistochemistry identified the lesion as a spontaneous intramedullary hematoma. Spontaneous intramedullary hematomyelia should be considered as a differential for acute onset of paresis in suid species.
Collapse
|
33
|
Mos L, Morsey B, Jeffries SJ, Yunker MB, Raverty S, De Guise S, Ross PS. Chemical and biological pollution contribute to the immunological profiles of free-ranging harbor seals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2006; 25:3110-7. [PMID: 17220078 DOI: 10.1897/06-027r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls and other persistent organic pollutants have been associated with immunotoxicity and outbreaks of (infectious) disease in marine mammals by rendering them vulnerable to infection by pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. In an immunotoxicological study of free-ranging harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), we obtained samples of blood and blubber from seal pups that were live-captured from two remote and two near-urban sites in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state, USA. Using these samples, we quantified hematology, innate immune function, adaptive immune function, and polychlorinated biphenyl accumulation. While controlling for confounding factors (age, sex, and condition), univariate correlations between phagocytosis (r2 = 0.30, p = 0.002), respiratory burst (r2 =0.45, p= 0.000), T-lymphocyte function (r2 = 0.16, p = 0.028), lymphocyte signaling (r2 = 0.17, p = 0.025), and lymphocyte counts (r2 = 0.29, p = 0.002), and polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations suggested chemical-associated immunotoxicity. Principal component analysis of immunological endpoints provided additional evidence of immunotoxic effects in seals. However, principal component analysis also identified a noncontaminant-related factor by distinguishing between seals inhabiting urban versus remote sites, with results being consistent with increased pathogen exposure. Elevated fecal coliform concentrations in water, and observations of terrestrial spill-over pathogens in local seals, further support the notion of biological pollution at these sites. Although our study highlights the role that environmental contaminants might play in rendering marine mammal populations vulnerable to disease through immunotoxicity, it also suggests that biological pollution represents an emerging conservation concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizzy Mos
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 9860 West Saanich Road, Sidney, British Columbia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Brocklebank J, Raverty S, Robinson J. Mycobacteriosis in Atlantic salmon farmed in British Columbia. Can Vet J 2003; 44:486-9. [PMID: 12839243 PMCID: PMC340174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium chelonae was identified as the cause of incidental mortality in Atlantic salmon smolts following introduction to seacages. Source of infection was not confirmed. Polymerase chain reaction was a useful method of detecting and speciating the genus Mycobacterium in infected stocks. Clinical management and public health implications of infection are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Brocklebank
- Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V3G 2M3
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Raverty S, Hedrick R, Henry J, Saksida S. Diagnosis of sturgeon iridovirus infection in farmed white sturgeon in British Columbia. Can Vet J 2003; 44:327-8. [PMID: 12715987 PMCID: PMC372255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Abbotsford
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Affiliation(s)
- L Mos
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, 9860 West Saanich Road, PO Box 6000, Sidney, BC V8L 4B2, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Stephen C, Lester S, Black W, Fyfe M, Raverty S. Multispecies outbreak of cryptococcosis on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Can Vet J 2002; 43:792-4. [PMID: 12395765 PMCID: PMC339618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig Stephen
- Centre for Coastal Health, 900 5th Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5S5
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Brocklebank J, Raverty S. Sudden mortality caused by cardiac deformities following seining of preharvest farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and by cardiomyopathy of postintraperitoneally vaccinated Atlantic salmon parr in British Columbia. Can Vet J 2002; 43:129-30. [PMID: 11842598 PMCID: PMC339179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John Brocklebank
- Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia V3G 2M3
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Raverty S, Reynolds T. Cutaneous chytridiomycosis in dwarf aquatic frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri) originating from southeast Asia and in a western toad (Bufo boreas) from northeastern British Columbia. Can Vet J 2001; 42:385-6. [PMID: 11360864 PMCID: PMC1476510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia V3G 2M3
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Raverty S, Black S. Causes of death in captive Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) including presumptive pulmonary mycoplasmosis. Can Vet J 2001; 42:386-7. [PMID: 11360865 PMCID: PMC1476496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia V3G 2M3
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Raverty S, Kieser D, Bagshaw J, St-Hilaire S. Renal infestation with Parvicapsula minibicornis in wild sockeye salmon from the Harrison and Adams rivers in British Columbia. Can Vet J 2000; 41:317-8. [PMID: 10769771 PMCID: PMC1476173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Abbotsford
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Brocklebank JR, Raverty S. Mycotic (Candida sp.) enterocolitis of Atlantic salmon parr in a hatchery in British Columbia. Can Vet J 1999; 40:888-9. [PMID: 10646068 PMCID: PMC1539876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J R Brocklebank
- Brocklebank Mobile Veterinary Service Ltd., Comox, British Columbia
| | | |
Collapse
|