Epidemiological features of the first Unusual Mortality Event linked to cetacean morbillivirus in the South Atlantic (Brazil, 2017–2018)

• DOI: 10.1111/mms.12824
• Publication Date: 2021-05-22T07:17:12Z
• Authors: Haydée A. Cunha; Elitieri B. Santo...; Rafael R. Carvalho; Joana M. P. Ikeda; Katia R. Groch; Josué Díaz‐Delgado; Emi B. Guari; Juliana A. Brião; Raissa B. Oliveira; Leonardo Flach; Tatiana L. Bisi; José L. Catão‐Dias; Alexandre F. Azevedo; José Lailson‐Brito
• Keywords: Morbillivirus

Abstract Since the 1980s, cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) has caused mass mortality events worldwide. However, no epizootics had been recorded in South Atlantic, until an unusual event (UME) linked to Guiana dolphin (GD‐CeMV) began Ilha Grande Bay, southeastern Brazil, November 2017. In a five‐month period, UME spread neighboring Sepetiba Bay and accounted for death of at least 277 dolphins ( Sotalia guianensis ). Prevalence positive dolphins, as estimated from RT‐PCR diagnostics, was 92.3% (24/26) 91.9% (57/62) Bay. Females higher rates during (1.5:1), contrast with historical data both bays that showed 2:1 male female ratio. Calf also increased bays. These results suggest females calves were more vulnerable morbilliviral infection. Herein, we discuss possible explanations such sex‐biased pattern their implication conservation endangered dolphins. We speculate about origin Atlantic Ocean.