23-06-2025
Infected dolphins found stranded on Oʻahu shores: UH
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Scientists at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Health and Stranding Lab have found three stranded striped dolphins on Oʻahu's shores over the span of week, who all tested positive for an infectious bacteria that can transfer from animals to humans.
UH researches are concerned that the infected dolphins found could be signs of a much larger problem for dolphins and whales in Hawaiʻi's waters.
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Response teams from UH, along with cultural practitioners for advising, responded to two dolphins found in Waimānalo on June 7 and June 8, as well as when the third dolphin was found in Waikāne on June 15.
The bacteria, Brucella ceti, can cause flu-like symptoms, neurological issues and even chronic arthritis if left untreated in humans.
'Brucella ceti can be dangerous to humans who touch infected marine mammals,' Kristi West, an associate research at UH, said. 'It is best to be cautious and avoid touching or handling stranded animals. We strongly urge the public to report any whales or dolphins in distress in the ocean or stranded on beaches.'According to UH, most carcasses are never recovered and public reporting is critical for understanding the complexities of marine mammals' health.
'Dolphins and whales are recognized sentinels of ocean health and give us signs and signals about what's happening out there,' West said. 'Three strandings within one week likely represents many more dolphins that died and were lost at sea. It raises our concern about what's happening to the animals in their ecosystem.'
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Since 2000, the bacteria has been found in a variety of species of stranded dolphins and whales. Animals that tested positive for the infection showed severe brain and lung infections, while also being affected by comorbidities such as morbillivirus and hepesvirus.
The UH research team, alongside UH microbiologist Michael Norris, recently discovered a new strain of the bacteria in Hawaiian marine mammals that they say is likely the cause of the recent strandings.
To report any sightings of dead or distressed marine mammals, call the toll-free statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.
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