Detection of Brucella ceti and Brucella-Associated Disease in Stranded Cetaceans in Hawaii, USA, 2000-24.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 2025.
61(2):522–529
More details
Collapse details
Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:
- April 1, 2025
Numerous marine mammal populations worldwide are declining because of increased anthropogenic and natural threats, including infectious disease. Brucella ceti, morbillivirus, and herpesvirus have been detected from stranded cetaceans and been recognized as pathogens that may result in considerable cetacean morbidity and mortality. Beaked whale circovirus has been reported in multiple cetacean species in Hawaii, USA, and the western Pacific Ocean, but the pathologic relevance in these species remains uncertain. We screened for the presence of Brucella in 66 cetaceans of 17 species that stranded in Hawaii 2000-24 by targeting the insertion sequence 711 partial sequence using PCR.
Current
Atlantic Behavioral Response Study
Project Objectives
Assess behavioral response of beaked and pilot whales to mid-frequency tactical sonar
Current
Behavioral Response Analysis of Two Populations of Short-Finned Pilot Whales to Mid-Frequency Active Sonar
Project Objectives
Utilize newly developed statistical methods from the Atlantic BRS project and apply them to all the satellite-tagged pilot whales from both the Atlantic and Pacific studies.
Complete
Conservation Canine for Marine Mammal Scat Collection in Hawaii
Project Objectives
Test whether a K9 can be trained to detect and 'direct' boat drivers via changes in behavior to the scat of marine mammals in Hawaii
Complete
Guam Shore Based Visual Surveys
Project Objectives
Shore-based marine mammal surveys
Current
Mid-Atlantic Offshore Cetacean Study
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and baseline behavior of cetaceans in the offshore and continental shelf break region of the VACAPES OPAREA
Current
Pacific Islands Comprehensive Stranding Investigations
Project Objectives
Conduct comprehensive investigations of stranded marine mammals throughout the Pacific Islands with emphasis on the Hawaiian and Mariana Island chains. This includes conducting necropsies of stranded animals, collecting and archiving samples, conducting disease screening, genetic testing, and analysis of historical data. The objective is to examine stranding patterns and causes of death for marine mammals in the Pacific Islands.
Current
Visual Survey and Tagging of Hawaiian Odontocetes
Project Objectives
(1) define the spatial movement and habitat use patterns of species that are exposed to mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar (2) determine how these patterns influence exposure and potential responses
2024-2025 Large Whale Season Summary
March 24, 2025
We have two separate efforts focusing on cetaceans off the coast of Virginia. The first is our Offshore (Outer Continental Shelf) Cetacean Study, which focuses primarily on deep diving odontocetes like sperm whales. The second effort is our Nearshore and Mid-Shelf Baleen Whale Monitoring Project.
First Satellite Tag Deployments for Atlantic BRS 2024
July 8, 2024
In June 2024, a Duke University team initiated the Atlantic Behavioral Response Study (BRS) by deploying satellite-linked dive recorders on goose-beaked whales (Cuvier's beaked whales) off the coast of North Carolina. These tags collect data on the whales' diving behavior and locations, enhancing understanding of their baseline activities. Additionally, the team released a rehabilitated hawksbill sea turtle named Bagheera back into the Atlantic Ocean.
Whales of Summer
June 10, 2024
In the mid-Atlantic, baleen whale sightings typically occur during the colder months, with peak activity in December and January. Sightings of humpback and right whales usually decrease by late March through April. While occasional baleen whale sightings, particularly of fin whales, happen during warmer months, large groups are uncommon as summer approaches. Pelagic surveys during this time often focus on odontocetes like sperm whales and beaked whales.
Kauai' Field Work Updates
February 16, 2024
Scientists from Cascadia Research Collective are leading a ~9-day field project off Kaua’i that started on February 11th.
Atlantic BRS 2017!
May 22, 2017
The Atlantic BRS efforts are underway.
Bonus tagging in JAX
June 15, 2016
Odontocete tagging in Florida.
Banner day tagging odontocetes at Hatteras!
June 1, 2016
A busy field day in NC.
Hatteras tagging wraps up for 2015
November 10, 2015
The finale of a successful field season.
Great Day for a Mid-Atlantic Offshore Survey
April 20, 2015
Pelagic cetaceans and sea turtle sightings.
Tagging Deep Diving Odontocetes Off Cape Hatteras - Part 3
September 26, 2014
Details on the 3rd field session for the year.
Tagging Whales Off Cape Hatteras
May 21, 2014
Learning about the movements of odontocetes.
Cape Hatteras Field Work Update
October 28, 2013
Calm days at sea off NC.
