Viral Impact on Florida Dolphins

Image Credit: Wikimedia

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) reported an unfortunate and deadly respiratory virus this month effecting dolphins. This virus, called the morbillivirus, while not transferable to humans, has killed 11 dolphins on the St. John’s river in northeast Florida.

That’s no small amount.

The virus makes the dolphins’ immune systems weaker which causes dolphins to be more susceptible to diseases that are transferable from humans.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time dolphin deaths have been attributed to a virus. Last fall, specifically the month of November, saw deaths concentrated on the Florida coastline.

Nadia Gordon of the FWC has observed that since dolphins often move from the river to the ocean, the ocean will likely be the next area affected by the morbillivirus. This is not good news for our oceans!

The St. John’s river area has seen more than a triple increase in dolphin deaths this year alone. We’re sure you can guess what those statistics may transfer to in the open ocean.

The good news? The folks at the FWC are collecting dolphin samples for research to analyze the future impact of this virus.

Dolphins are known for being extremely friendly toward humans and in some cases have even protected individuals from shark attacks. It’s our turn to help them out.

If you see a sick dolphin please remember not to touch it!  The best thing you can do is report the case to the FWC’s hotline (if you live in Florida) or call your local fish and wildlife commission.

Source: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/dolphin-deaths-rise-st-johns-river/ngqm6/