January 11, 2018

Virus cause of more than 170 dolphin deaths in Brazil

Brazilian scientists say a virus is the main cause for the death of close to 200 guiana dolphins in little more than 40 days on the coast of Rio de Janeiro state.

The School of Oceanography of the State University of Rio de Janeiro said in a statement that an outbreak of "cetacean morbillivirus" is responsible for the death of more than 130 guiana dolphins in the Bay of Sepetiba since late November. The bay is about 45 miles (70 kilometers) west of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Another 40 dead guiana dolphins were found in a nearby island called Ilha Grande.

The virus can damage the immune system of marine mammals.

What led to the outbreak and how long it will last are still unknown. Scientists are trying to determine other possible causes for the death of the dolphins.

Citation: Virus cause of more than 170 dolphin deaths in Brazil (2018, January 11) retrieved 24 April 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2018-01-virus-dolphin-deaths-brazil.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Measles-like virus blamed for Atlantic dolphin deaths (Update)

41 shares

Feedback to editors

Virus cause of more than 170 dolphin deaths in Brazil

Bioluminescence first evolved in animals at least 540 million years ago, pushing back previous oldest dated example

Star bars show universe's early galaxies evolved much faster than previously thought

Scientists study lipids cell by cell, making new cancer research possible

Squids' birthday influences mating: Male spear squids shown to become 'sneakers' or 'consorts' depending on birth date

Study finds rekindling old friendships as scary as making new ones

How light can vaporize water without the need for heat

Researchers develop eggshell 'bioplastic' pellet as sustainable alternative to plastic

Previous theory on how electrons move within protein nanocrystals might not apply in every case

Fruit fly pest meets its evolutionary match in parasitic wasp

World's chocolate supply threatened by devastating virus

Relevant PhysicsForums posts

The Cass Report (UK)

Major Evolution in Action

If theres a 15% probability each month of getting a woman pregnant...

Can four legged animals drink from beneath their feet?

Mold in Plastic Water Bottles? What does it eat?

Dolphins don't breathe through their esophagus

Measles-like virus blamed for Atlantic dolphin deaths (Update)

Dolphin virus outbreak in Atlantic is deadliest ever

Virus confirmed as cause of dolphin deaths

Human interactions with dolphins proving to be dangerous to the marine animals

More than 400 dead dolphins on north Peru coast

Three dolphins rescued after large group strands on Japan coast

Squids' birthday influences mating: Male spear squids shown to become 'sneakers' or 'consorts' depending on birth date

Fruit fly pest meets its evolutionary match in parasitic wasp

Gone in a puff of smoke: 52,000 square kilometers of 'long unburnt' Australian habitat has vanished in 40 years

Study sheds new light on cross-species virus spillovers that can cause pandemics

Advances in understanding the evolution of stomach loss in agastric fishes

New findings shed light on how bella moths use poison to attract mates

Medical Xpress

Tech Xplore

Science X

Virus cause of more than 170 dolphin deaths in Brazil

Bioluminescence first evolved in animals at least 540 million years ago, pushing back previous oldest dated example

Star bars show universe's early galaxies evolved much faster than previously thought

Scientists study lipids cell by cell, making new cancer research possible

Squids' birthday influences mating: Male spear squids shown to become 'sneakers' or 'consorts' depending on birth date

Study finds rekindling old friendships as scary as making new ones

How light can vaporize water without the need for heat

Researchers develop eggshell 'bioplastic' pellet as sustainable alternative to plastic

Previous theory on how electrons move within protein nanocrystals might not apply in every case

Fruit fly pest meets its evolutionary match in parasitic wasp

World's chocolate supply threatened by devastating virus

Relevant PhysicsForums posts

Related Stories

Measles-like virus blamed for Atlantic dolphin deaths (Update)

Dolphin virus outbreak in Atlantic is deadliest ever

Virus confirmed as cause of dolphin deaths

Human interactions with dolphins proving to be dangerous to the marine animals

More than 400 dead dolphins on north Peru coast

Three dolphins rescued after large group strands on Japan coast

Recommended for you

Squids' birthday influences mating: Male spear squids shown to become 'sneakers' or 'consorts' depending on birth date

Fruit fly pest meets its evolutionary match in parasitic wasp

Gone in a puff of smoke: 52,000 square kilometers of 'long unburnt' Australian habitat has vanished in 40 years

Study sheds new light on cross-species virus spillovers that can cause pandemics

Advances in understanding the evolution of stomach loss in agastric fishes

New findings shed light on how bella moths use poison to attract mates

Newsletter sign up

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience