Bacterial Disease Affecting Dolphins In Costa Rica's Pacific

Recent research indicates that the bacterial disease known as "Brucella ceti" is affecting the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in Costa Rica's Pacific.

The findings were presented during the 64th edition of the International Whaling Conference in Panama, within the subcommittee called "Environmental Concern" by Dr. Gabriela Hernandez Mora, head of the official laboratory for brucellosis at the Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA) - National Health Service.



According to Hernandez this is an important issue to address because it is causing deterioration in the health of cetaceans.

This disease was studied from the standpoint of public health and conservation of the species that have, since there are no regulations for monitoring the same worldwide, in those species that are harvested, handled, used and in some cases consumed by the inhabitants of different countries.

The International Whaling Commission is a body composed of 89 countries, whose representatives decide the future of the populations of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in the world, its conservation and use.

Costa Rica has become known worldwide for his research on this issue and will be responsible for the special edition of brucellosis to be published by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in April 2013.