Abstract
This study describes the pathologic findings of 24 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) found stranded along the Brazilian coast from 2004 to 2016. Eighteen (75%) animals evaluated were found stranded alive. From these, 13 died naturally on shore and five were euthanized. Six died at sea and were washed ashore. Of the 24, 19 (79.2%) were calves, four (16.7%) were juveniles, and one (4.2%) was an adult. The most probable cause of stranding and/or death (CSD) was determined in 23/24 (95.8%) individuals. In calves, CSD included neonatal respiratory distress (13/19; 68.4%), infectious disease (septicemia, omphaloarteritis and urachocystitis; 3/19; 15.8%), trauma of unknown origin (2/19; 10.5%), and vehicular trauma (vessel strike; 1/19; 5.3%). In juveniles and adult individuals, CSD was: emaciation (2/5; 40%), sunlight-thermal burn shock (1/5; 20%); and discospondylitis (1/5; 20%). In one juvenile, the CSD was undetermined (1/5; 20%). This study integrates novel findings and published case reports to delineate the pathology of a South-western Atlantic population of humpback whales. This foundation will aid in the assessment of the population health and establish a baseline for development of conservation policies.
Highlights
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are present in all oceans of the globe and migrate between winter breeding grounds and summer feeding destinations [1]
Twenty-four humpback whales found stranded along the Brazilian coast were subjected to a complete or partial autopsy between January 2004 to December 2016
Twenty-three whales had a sufficient quality of preservation for histopathological analysis, and in one animal, diagnosis was concluded on gross examination
Summary
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are present in all oceans of the globe and migrate between winter breeding grounds and summer feeding destinations [1]. Humpback whales pathology and causes of death
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