Abstract

Evaluation and subsequent diagnosis of previously unknown conditions is a challenge requiring specific measures to facilitate success. New conditions may be emerging diseases, previously undiagnosed diseases, or diseases known in other species now identified in marine mammals due to changing environment or overall health status. The tools for investigating these conditions are within the reach of all practitioners. They include: regular collection, evaluation, and banking of sample material, methodical evaluations of morbidity and mortality, pursuit of unusual or unexpected results, and collaborations with colleagues and experts within and outside the marine mammal realm.

Beluga coronavirus hepatitis is an elegant example of applying novel technologies designed for human diagnostic investigations to better understand an emerging health threat in marine mammals. Investigations in this condition involved multiple tradition methods that were unable to identify the etiologic agent. Through the use of a pan viral microarray, a novel coronavirus was identified as the causative agent. Further investigations are now needed to better understand the nature of this virus.

Beluga storage disease is a condition currently under investigation. This condition has no significant gross lesions. Disease investigations are focused on comparing affected to unaffected animals using techniques designed for investigating similar conditions in man and domestic animals.