A Study Finds Bird Flu in a Dolphin
A study was conducted in April 2024 and showed that a Florida dolphin was infected with pathogenic bird flu. The study included observations of the marine mammal taken from the 2022 discovery of the “in distress” dolphin in a canal in Dixie County, Florida, and the results of the animal’s postmortem exam.
However, scientists do not see the disease as the dolphins cause of death. Subsequently, a necropsy revealed the dolphin had contracted a highly deadly strain of the virus. Sadly, brain inflammation and leptomeninges disease was found in the animal too.
What is Pathogenic Avian Flu That Infected the Florida Dolphin?
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a disease that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry. It is caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses; it is also known as bird or avian flu. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
The following are symptoms it can cause in animals:
- Sudden death with no prior signs.
- Low energy or appetite.
- Purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts.
- Reduced egg production, or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs.
- Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing.
- Lack of coordination.
- Diarrhea.
A Further Look into the Studies
Webby’s laboratory investigates avian influenza cases in many species and was key in determining where the virus may have originated. Along with wondering how the virus could be tracked from this source. “We still don’t know where the dolphin got the virus and more research needs to be done,” Webby said.
A following is a statement from Mike Walsh (D.V.M., an associate professor of aquatic animal health):
This investigation was an important step in understanding this virus and is a great example where happenstance joins with curiosity, having to answer the ‘why’ and then seeing how the multiple groups and expertise took this to a fantastic representation of collaborative excellence.
By Key Robertson
Sources:
People: Florida Dolphin Found ‘In Distress’ Later Diagnosed with Bird Flu, Study Finds
News Channel 8: Dead Florida dolphin was infected with highly pathogenic bird flu
SciTech Daily: Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Identified in Dead Florida Dolphin
Featured Image Courtesy of Daniel Parks Flickr Page Creative – Commons License
Inset Image by Stephen de Blois Courtesy of NOAA Fisheries West Coast’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
