Gastrointestinal helminths of the cetaceans Cephalorhynchus eutropia and Phocoena spinipinnis accidentally entangled in gill-nets off the coast of Queule, Chile, were identified from 1989 to 1990. Pseudoterranova sp., Polymorphus (Polymorphus)…
Although many studies confirm long-term small isolated populations (e.g. island endemics) commonly sustain low neutral genetic variation as a result of genetic drift, it is less clear how selection on…
Herpesviruses infect a wide range of vertebrates, including toothed whales of the order Cetacea. One of the smallest toothed whales is the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), which is widespread in…
Bioaccumulation of immunosuppressive organochlorines like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may pose a threat to the health and viability of cetacean populations. To investigate possible associations between chronic exposure to PCBs and…
In 2006, a marked increase in harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena strandings were reported in the Pacific Northwest of the USA, resulting in the declaration of an unusual mortality event (UME)…
Harbor porpoises from the North and Baltic Seas exhibit a higher incidence of bacterial infections compared to whales from less polluted arctic waters. Toxicological analysis revealed an association between elevated…
Detailed post mortem examinations were carried out on 41 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) found dead on the coast of the United Kingdom. The commonest causes of death were entanglement in…