The 2000 Canine Distemper Epidemic in Caspian Seals (Phoca caspica): Pathology and Analysis of Contributory Factors

摘要: More than 10,000 Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) were reported dead in the Sea during spring and summer 2000. We performed necropsies extensive laboratory analyses on 18 seals, as well examination of pattern strandings variation weather recent years, to identify cause mortality potential contributory factors. The monthly stranding rate 2000 was up 2.8 times historic mean. It preceded by an unusually mild winter, observed before mass events pinnipeds. primary diagnosis 11 13 canine distemper, characterized broncho-interstitial pneumonia, lymphocytic necrosis depletion lymphoid organs, presence typical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies multiple epithelia. Canine distemper virus infection confirmed phylogenetic analysis reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction products. Organochlorine zinc concentrations tissues with comparable those previous years. Concurrent bacterial infections that may have contributed included Bordetella bronchiseptica (4/8 seals), Streptococcus phocae (3/8), Salmonella dublin (1/8), S. choleraesuis (1/8). A newly identified bacterium, Corynebacterium caspium, associated balanoposthitis one seal. Several infectious parasitic organisms, including poxvirus, Atopobacter phocae, Eimeria- Sarcocystis-like Halarachne sp. for first time.