Dolphin Doodoo

For the first time, researchers at the UH Health and Stranding Lab have successfully detected Fraser’s morbillivirus, which can cause respiratory and neurological disease, in the feces of a dolphin. And one co-author is CTAHR grad student Cody Clifton."Understanding disease threats is important to the animal sciences,” says Cody. “It has been rewarding to be a part of original research that has an impact on the conservation of sentinel marine species."The finding is particularly important for Hawaiʻi’s dolphin populations, where a disease outbreak could have devastating effects. Marine mammals, recognized as sentinels of ocean health, have an important role in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Read the full UH News story. Read the full study in Marine Mammal Science.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Commander Pacific Fleet Environmental Readiness Division.