Emerging infectious diseasesAnimalsCanadaDolphinsPhylogenyRhabdoviridae
Novel Dolphin Tupavirus from Stranded Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin with Severe Encephalitis, Canada, 2024.
Oksana Vernygora, Laura Bourque, Megan Jones, Ole Nielsen, Carissa Embury-Hyatt, Estella Moffat, Tonya Wimmer, Oliver Lung
Published: 202510.3201/eid3111.251203
Abstract
Open AccessWe sequenced a novel rhabdovirus, Tupavirus delphini (dolphin tupavirus), from the brain of a stranded dead Atlantic white-sided dolphin with severe encephalitis in Canada. In situ hybridization linked presence of the virus to the animal's brain pathology and death. Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring marine mammals for unexpected pathogens.