Abstract

The attending veterinarian (AV) role is vital for optimal marine mammal well-being in managed care. All marine mammals in captive settings exhibited within the USA are protected under the authority of the Animal Welfare Act.^1,2 The AV is mentioned 138 times throughout the Act, and the importance of this role cannot be overemphasized. The authority of the AV under the Animal Welfare Act regulations is broad and comprehensive.

In addition to providing medical care, the AV is responsible for overseeing other aspects of animal care and use. This means that veterinarians impact the welfare of the animals under their care on a large scale. Among other things, the AV works with the facility to establish effective health and husbandry practices, which includes overseeing water quality, social groupings, reproduction, and neonatal care.³

Marine mammal veterinarians have additional responsibilities under the AWA, subpart E, section 3.110. This section details oversight with respect to quarantine, holding facilities, cleaning and sanitization, and additional requirements specific to veterinary care. The AV is required to perform semiannual visual examinations on all marine mammals. A hands-on physical examination for cetaceans and sirenians must be performed at least annually. The exam must include hematology, serum chemistry, and other diagnostics dictated by the AV. Medical records must be maintained that include animal identification, sex, age, and physical description and all exam findings including length, weight, findings by body system, and identification of medical and physical problems. A proposed plan of action, all diagnostic test results, and documentation of treatment are required. Lastly, a complete necropsy must be conducted by, or under the supervision of, the AV. Histopathology, microbiological cultures, and other testing, as appropriate, is required. A preliminary necropsy report must be prepared by the veterinarian which lists all pathologic lesions. The final report is required to include all gross and histopathology findings, the results of all testing performed, and a pathological diagnosis.

Challenges may arise when the facility does not understand the authority of the AV. Poor communication between curator, trainers, life support system staff, and the veterinarian may result in interpersonal conflicts. Disagreements between the AV and consulting veterinarians may also pose a unique situation. Finally, financial constraints of the facility may be difficult for the AV to navigate when trying to provide appropriate care to the animals in their charge.

As marine mammal veterinarians care for animals from birth through significant life stages and finally death, the AV’s impact on animal welfare is profound.

*Presenting author

Literature Cited

1.  7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq.

2.  Code of Federal Regulations. Title 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A.

3.  The Attending Veterinarian, Animal Care Tech note, APHIS 41-35-079, April 2021