16/02/2020
PRESS RELEASE: (If sharing, kindly copy and share as posted)
Melon-Headed Whale Stranding- February 14, 2020
On the morning of Thursday, February 13th, 2020 at 8:10am, the Trinidad & Tobago Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TTMMSN) received a report from the Environmental Management Authority of a distressed marine mammal at Maracas Bay. The Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Land & Fisheries was contacted and clearance was obtained to initiate stranding response. The distressed animal was found to be an adult male Melon-Headed Whale (Peponocephala electra). On interviewing personnel working on the beach, it was determined that the animal was first observed to be in distress at 3am on February 13th. Multiple entities later sought to return the animal to deeper water; firstly security personnel on beach patrol made 3 attempts at approximately 6:30am, and then TTMMSN first responders (UTT Marine Sciences Programme personnel led by Dr. Reia Guppy) made 3 further attempts just after 9am. On arrival of TTMMSN veterinary personnel, Dr. Carla Phillips Savage (Certified Aquatic Veterinarian and Clinician in Marine Mammal Medicine and Aquatic Animal Health- The University of the West Indies, School of Veterinary Medicine), Dr. Wade Seukeran
(Tenderheart Animals Veterinary Clinic) and Clinical Technical Staff of the UWI- School of
Veterinary Medicine, two further attempts were made just after 12 noon. On each reflotation
attempt, the animal repeatedly listed heavily primarily to its left and eventually swam in circles before being tossed back to shore, being unable to maintain itself in an upright position. By the end of the last reflotation attempt, the animal had been in distress for more than 11 hours. On physical examination by veterinary personnel, the animal was found to be displaying periodic tremors and there was a foul odour to the expired air on exhalation. The lengthy time span, the significant neurological signs, and eight (8) unsuccessful reflotation attempts resulted in a decision to euthanise the animal by humane injection, in the absence of adequate rehab facilities
on the island for treating and managing such a case. If left at sea, the animal would certainly
have drowned. The carcass was transported to the UWI-School of Veterinary Medicine for
necropsy.
On Friday, February 14th, 2020, the necropsy was performed by TTMMSN Coordinator Dr.
Carla Phillips Savage and Dr. Rod Suepaul (Veterinary Pathologist); both lecturers at the
University of the West Indies, School of Veterinary Medicine. Necropsy findings revealed that the animal stranded and was unable to maintain its equilibrium on reflotation as a result of a severe parasitic meningitis affecting multiple areas of the animal’s cerebellum (the portion of the brain responsible for posture, balance, motor control and coordination). Significant parasitism was also observed to be associated with the urogenital tract, where numerous large parasitic cysts were found to be attached to the reproductive organs. The animal also had multiple stomach ulcers and numerous parasitic nodules of varying sizes throughout the stomach wall. No food was present in the stomach or intestines. Samples of multiple organs were taken
for further analysis, including, brain, kidney, liver, spleen, reproductive organs, acoustic fat,
blubber, muscle, lung, heart, among others.
This case again serves to highlight the fact that marine mammals that wash ashore, especially those that wash ashore singly, are typically ill and may be harbouring infectious organisms that may have the potential to be detrimental to humans and other animals. Further, it is advised to NOT push, pull or drag live stranded marine mammals back into the water. Though well-meaning, this action often does more harm to the animal than good, as such ill animals are predisposed to drowning. The public is therefore again urged to avoid handling and/or consuming marine mammals that wash ashore, as this may pose a significant public health risk. The public is also reminded that marine mammals are protected locally under the Conservation of Wildlife Act of Trinidad and Tobago. Interacting with or handling these animals without a permit issued by the
relevant authorities is an offense punishable by law. In the event of a marine mammal stranding, the public is encouraged to contact the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division (Trinidad: 662-5114, 645-4288; Tobago: 639-2570, 735-4369) and the TTMMSN (735-3530). More information on Marine Mammal Strandings in T&T may be found on the TTMMSN page. The
TTMMSN wishes to express its sincere thanks to all Network volunteers, fishermen, lifeguards and Maracas Bay Police who responded to the stranding and aided in the response.
(Photo credit: Trinidad & Tobago Guardian Newspaper)
