Identification, molecular and phylogenetic analysis of poxvirus in skin lesions of southern right whale

Researchers have identified and characterized a poxvirus associated with skin lesions in southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) off the coast of Península Valdés, Argentina. The study, conducted on samples from dead whales, revealed ring-type lesions histologically marked by microvesicles, vacuolated cells, and eosinophilic inclusion bodies. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of poxvirus-like virions, while PCR and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the virus as belonging to the cetacean poxvirus group (CPV-2). This marks the first documented case of poxvirus in southern right whales, contributing to our understanding of cetacean health and disease dynamics.

Fiorito, C., Palacios, C., Golemba, M., Bratanich, A., Argüelles, M., Fazio, A., Bertellotti, M., & Lombardo, D. (2015). Identification, molecular and phylogenetic analysis of poxvirus in skin lesions of southern right whale. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 116(2), 157–163. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao02918