Necropsy Report
Killer Whale (Orcinus-orca) Kanduke
Age 25 yrs SeaWorld of Florida
Name: Kanduke (male) (aka Kandu IV, Kandu 4, T9, T009) Species: Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Source: wild capture, 08-16-1975, Pedder Bay, BC, Canada, age: est. 5 yrs Deceased: 09-20-1990, SeaWorld of Florida, age: est. 25 yrs Reported cause of death (per NMFS MMIR data): Viral Leptomenigitis Necropsy info: Histology- Mike Walsh, DVM, SeaWorld (1990): Histologic and bacterial examination of tissue have not pointed to an exact cause of death, though the opinion of the independent histopathologists who conducted the examinations is that a virus is the most likely cause. Additional independent studies including virus isolation and further histologic examination will be undertaken in order to attempt to pinpoint a virus as a cause of death. If additional pertinent information is obtained, it wi11 be added to the necropsy report. A gastric foreign body was found in the first compartment of the animal's stomach. While the presence of the object (a 55 x 20 x 13 cm collapsed fishing buoy) was visually striking, it was not related to the cause of this animal's death. This object did not appear to impede normal food intake or digestion. Since there was no chance of access to this object while at SeaWorld, it had to have been present prior to the time of the animal's arrival at SeaWorld of Florida. Initial results from first pathologist on 10-12-90 pointed toward a possible viral infection as evidenced by: 1) Meningoencephalitis 2) Lymphoid hyperplasia 3) Enteritis A second set of tissues were submitted to a second histopathologist. Initial phone results indicated similar findings and additional slides containing meninges were sent by the 1st pathologist for review. The second histopathologist's major findings included: 1) Leptomeningitis 2) Chronic cerebral and spinal chord perivasculitis
The Orca Project Corp 5/2/2012 www.theorcaproject.com
3) Lymphoid inflammation of intestinal tract Attempts at virus isolation included: Kent G. Osborn, DVM, Zoological Pathology Consult (1990, 1991) Gregory D. Bossart, VMD, Veterinary Reference Laboratories, Inc. (1990, 1991) Sam H. Ridgway DVM, NOSC (1991) Charles D. Buck, Animal Virus Collection Manager, American Type Culture Collection (1991) 1993 Update: Although not reflected or updated in NMFS MMIR, a 1993 study was published Isolation of St. Louis encephalitis virus from a killer whale which indicates the death of Kanduke was caused by the St. Louis encephalitis virus with a mosquito vector. That report is attached at the end of this document. The 1993 published paper was co-authored by: Charles Buck & Grace P. Paulino- Virology Department, American Type Culture Collection Daniel J. Medina & G.D. Hsiung- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine & Virology Laboratory, VA Medical Center Terry W. Campbell & Michael T. Walsh- SeaWorld of Florida, Orlando, FL More on the mosquito vector and virus: Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society: Documents Prove Mosquito-borne Virus Responsible for Captive Orca Death http://www.wdcs-na.org/story_details.php?select=275 Voice of the Orcas: Mosquitoes have killed 2 SeaWorld Orcas: Has Anyone Noticed? https://sites.google.com/site/voiceoftheorcas/home/the-currentstory/mosquitoeshavekilled2seaworldorcashastheanyonenoticed Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society: WDCS And Partners Reveal Unseen Threat To Orcas In Captivity http://www.wdcs-na.org/story_details.php?select=305 Voice of the Orcas: John Jett & Jeffrey Ventre reveal "Death by Mosquito" at Marine Mammal Conference with WDCS https://sites.google.com/site/voiceoftheorcas/home/the-currentstory/johnjettjeffreyventrerevealdeathbymosquitoatmarinemammalconferencewith wdcs
The Orca Project Corp 5/2/2012 www.theorcaproject.com
Poster presented by Dr. John Jett at 2012 Marine Mammal Health ConferenceSarasota, FL: Evidence of Lethal Mosquito Transmitted Viral Disease in Captive Orcinus orca http://www.wdcs-na.org/submissions_bin/fmmhc.pdf
Notes: Prior to reforms of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in 1994, holders of marine mammals for public display were required to submit necropsy reports (animal autopsy reports) for deceased animals, making the documents available to the public and scientific community. Presently, marine mammal parks in the U.S. are only required to provide a cause of death to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) which maintains Marine Mammal Inventory Reports (MMIR). Details of marine mammal deaths are now a closely guarded secret at U.S. entertainment facilities. The Orca Project acquired the following documents from the National Marine Fisheries Service (U.S.A.) via the Freedom of Information Act for deaths that occurred prior to implementation of the 1994 MMPA changes. For more information visit www.theorcaproject.com
Necropsy, Autopsy, Veterinarian, NOAA, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, MMIR, Marine Mammal Inventory Report, MMPA, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Killer Whale, Orca, Shamu, Death, Die, SeaWorld, Orlando, Florida, Kanduke, Kandu IV, Kandu 4, T9, T009, St. Louis encephalitis, virus, mosquito
The Orca Project Corp
5/2/2012
www.theorcaproject.com
D r . Nancy F o s t e r , D i r e c t o r O f f i c e o f P r o t e c t e d S p e c i e s and H a b i t a t Conservation National Marine Fisheries Service 1335 E a s t - W e s t Highway, Room 8268 S i l v e r S p r i n g , M a r y l a n d 20910 Dear D r . Foster:
P l e a s e f i n d e n c l o s e d t h e p a t h o l o g y r e p o r t f r o m o u r 25+ y e a r o l d k i l l e r w h a l e 00-8701, who d i e d on S e p t e m b e r 20, 1990. As y o u a r e aware, t h i s a n i m a l h a d b e e n m a i n t a i n e d a t Sea World'of Florida f o r three years since h i s a r r i v a l from M a r i n e l a n d o f Canada. The a n i m a l h a d a n o r m a l c o n s i s t e n t f o o d i n t a k e d u r i n g . h i s s t a y a t Sea W o r l d , w i t h n o a p p a r e n t g a s t r o i n t e s t i n a l problems. Age was e s t i m a t e d a t 25+ y e a r s b y c o u n t i n g g r o w t h - l a y e r - g r o u p s i n an a c i d - e t c h e d , 1o n g i t u d i n a l l y b i s e c t e d t o o t h . A f t e r a n o r m a l b r e e d i n g p e r i o d f r o m S e p t e m b e r 15-17, 1990, t h e a n i m a l showed a d e c r e a s e i n a p p e t i t e f o l l o w e d b y a r a p i d d e t e r i o r a t i o n o f i t s c l i n i c a l a p p e a r a n c e ( s e e h i s t o r y on p a t h o l o g y r e p o r t ) and d e a t h on September 20, 1990. H i s t o l o g i c and b a c t e r i a l e x a m i n a t i o n o f t i s s u e have n o t p o i n t e d t o an e x a c t c a u s e o f d e a t h , t h o u g h t h e o p i n i o n of t h e i n d e p e n d e n t h i s t o p a t h o l o g i s t s who c o n d u c t e d t h e e x a m i n d t i o n s i s t h a t a v i r u s i s t h e most l i k e l y cause. A d d i t i o n a l i n d e p e n d e n t s t u d i e s i n c l u d i n g v i r u s i s o l a t i o n 'and f u r t h e r h i s t o l o g i c e x a ~ i l i n a t i o nw i l l b e u n d e r t a k e n i n o r d e r t o a t t e m p t t o p i n p o i n t a v i r u s as a c a u s e o f d e a t h . If a d d i t i o n a l p e r t i n e n t i n f o r m a t i o n i s o b t a i n e d , i t w i l l be added t o t h e n e c r o p s y r e p o r t . A g a s t r i c f o r e i g n b o d y was f o u n d i n t h e f i r s t c o m p a r t m e n t o f t h e a n i m a l ' s stomach. While t h e presence o f t h e o b j e c t ( a 55 x 2 0 x 1 3 cm c o l l a p s e d f i s h i n g b o u y ) was v i s u a l l y s t r i k i n g , i t was n o t r e l a t e d t o t h e c a u s e o f t h i s a n i m a l ' s death. T h i s o b j e c t d i d n o t appear t o impede normal f o o d intake or digestion. S i n c e t h e r e was n o c h a n c e o f a c c e s s t o t h i s o b j e c t w h i l e a t Sea W o r l d , i t h a d t o h a v e b e e n p r e s e n t p r i o r t o t h e t i m e of t h e a n i m a l ' s a r r i v a l a t Sea W o r l d o f F l o r i da.
Sea World. Inc. 7007 Sea World Drive Orlando, FL 32821-8097 (407) 351-3600 FAX (407) 345-5397
Sincerely,
ad&.
M i c h a e l T. Walsh,
D.V.M.
Busch Entertainment
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MARINE MAMMAL COLLECTION/INVENTORYREPORT ~nventory/mortality TYPE OF REPORT:
NAME OF ANIMALHOLDER:
OMB NO. 0648-0085, EXP 4/30fl1 SN: , ' ASN: LEX: SP: ANREP: FNUM: FOR NMFS USE ONLY
Sea world r Inc
DATE OF REPORT: COMMON NAME:
11/19/90 Killer whale
NECRP' FILED NMFS
SPECIES SCIENTlFlC NAME:
Orcinus orca
DATE TAKEN OR ACQUIRED
s
ANIMAL N A W E DENIlFICATlON X
EST BIRTH YEAR
AUTHOR DOCUMENT
- SWF-00-8701 M
#575
1-09-87
LOCATION OF TAKE TAKE PLACE NAME AND COLLECTOR CURR TYPE LATITUDE-LONGITUDE OR SOURCE STAT D-C From Marinelanc. N/A LM
DEATH OR DISPOSITION DATE EXPLANATION
of Canada, Niagara F a l l s r Canada
Yes 9-20-90 C h r o n i c nonsu#fUrpt] v e I e p t o - ne n a 1 t i s, c e r e b r a ~ e r i v a s c u il t i s , i n t e s t i n a l lymphoC. a s m a c y t i cinflam ~l ,.
d y l l ~ bb l a + \I' u v . .
-----
pe
c
n and a d d i d i o n a l r e v i e w o f b r a i n an6
I I
SEA WORLD GROSS NECROPSY REPORT
.
.
FACILITY: Sea World of Florida GENUS/SPECIES: ID NUMBER:
PROSECTOR: Walsh, Campbell, Buesse, Odell
Orcinus orca
AGE:
00-8701 9-20-90
a+
SEX:
Male 9-20-90
DATE OF DEATH:
DATE OF NECROPSY:
EXTERNAL MORPHOMETRICS:
(metric only)
WEIGHT:
5,568 kq 675 cm See data sheet GIRTH AT AXILLA: FLUKE WIDTH: DORSAL FIN HEIGHT:
TOTAL LENGTH: GIRTH AT ANUS:
GIRTH AT UMBILICUS:
HISTORY:
This mature male killer whale was obtained from Canada for Sea World's breeding program in 1987. Upon arrival, the animal was noted have numerous worn teeth which did not seem to inhibit eating or normal activity. His overall behavior during this period was similar to breeding males of other species with periods of active involvement with the females during heat cycles followed by separation by the females during non-receptive periods. His health was stable with an occasional slight rise in his serum creatinine. Because of his potential age, dietary adjustments were made by the veterinary staff to avoid age related kidney disease as seen in most older mammals. Following a heavy breeding episode from 9-15-90 - 9-17-90, there was a slight decrease in his appetite and he avoided his caretakers. Attempts at obtaining a pool side fluke blood sample were unsuccessful, so the animal was placed in the medical pool. At this time it was noted that his attitude had rapidly deteriorated. Antibiotics were administered after the blood sample and the water returned to normal levels without incident. Before his planned second treatment it was noted that he was incoherent and not bothering to right himself in the water column. Assistance was provided by use of a stretcher to avoid water inhalation but the animal was nonresponsive and died shortly thereafter.
PAGE 2 '
I D NO.
00-8701
GENERAL E X T E M A L APPEARANCE: (oral cavity, external nares, skin, eyes) The animal's overall weight appeared grossly normal. The majority of the teeth in all four archades were chronically worn but showed no evidence of infection.
,
(blubber, mus'cles; lymph nodes) Blubber layers were adequate. There were no gross .abnormalities in the muscle groups. External lymph nodes were nonremarkable. Refer to morphornetric data sheet.
SUBDERMAL CONDITION:
CRANIAL EXAM: (ears, melon, pterygoid sinus) Ears - no gross abnormalities I I I I MelonPterygoid sinuses were clean CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:
(brain, pituitary, spinal cord) Brain - Sections were taken for histology and frozen. The brain was iixed in formalin for possible CAT scan and MRI. No gross lesions were noted.
THORACIC CAVITY: (pleura) No gross lesionswere found and the pleura was clean. accumulation of fluid in pleural cavity.
There was no gross
UPPER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: (nasal sacs, nares, larynx) An ulcerative lesion was found in the caudal exterior portion of the exterior blow hole. This appeared to be limited to a 1.5 x 3cm area where the blow flap contacts to the caudal wall. No other portion of the nasal passage was affected.
LOWER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: (trachea, bronchi, lungs, lymph nodes) Tracheal epithelium was brown in color.
. .
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: (heart, aorta, major vessels) No gross abnormalities were noted, valves were clean, and no myocardial discoloration was noted.
PAGE . 3
ID NO.
( lymph
00-8701
ABDOMINAL CAVITY:
nodes).
No abnormal fluid was
Abdominal lymph n o d e s appeared slightly enlargedpresent.
DIGESTIVE s ~ s ~ ~ ~ : ( e s o p h a g u s , s t o m a c h , intestine, cecum, rectum, lymph nodes) There was a circular- band of mucosal ulceration in the caudal, p o r t i o n of the esophagus. Cytology was n e g a t i v e for Candida. T h e stomach contained a 55 x 20 x l S c m deflated, b r i t t l e , fishing buoy which was discolored dark brown. Raised lettering was present on t h e buoy. The buoy apparently o r i g i n a t e d from a Norway company. A dozen small stones and a small piece of wood 2 x 8cm were' found in the stomach. NQ ulcerations were present i n the stomach chambers. Numerous l-2m white circular areas were diffusely s c a t t e r e d through the duodenum resembling peyers patches,
'
LIVER: (biliary system) The liver tissue was normal in color though the serosa Was more opaque and khickened as is cccn in older animals. 'l'he texture of the liver parenchyma appeared fibrotic. i
PANCREAS ! -..-
No g r o s s lesions. SPLEEN:
No g r o s s lesions, s e r o s a
was thickened.
8YBTEM: (testicles, ovaries) A normal mature male r e p r o d u c t i v e tract was found. A p e n i l e scar 10 c m long w a s p r c c c n t on the left lateral surface, with no obvious problems noted.
REPRODUCTIVE
URINARY SYSTEMr (kidneys, ureter, bladder, urethra) No gross lesions noted in any s e g m e n t . Kidneys were normal in color and t h e u r i n a r y bladder c o n t a i n e d 20cc of urine. Urine color was straw
colored.
ADRENAL GLANDS ?
No gross lesions.
SKELETAL SYSTEM:
No gross lesions.
PARASITE S U M M A R Y
,
None observed.
S P E C I A L TESTS issues were t a k e n f o r virus isolation, metal and pesticide
analysis.
PAGE 4
GROBB BUMMARY
ID NO.
00-8701
1) Ventral pneumonitis acute 2) Esophag,itis - ulcerative chronic 3) Gastric foreign .body chronic ,
TENTATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Open until bacteriology and histology. The rapid clinical decline of this individual would suggest an infectious or toxic influence.
CONCLUSIONS:
(after histology
&
clinical pathology review)
See attached sheet.
DATE :
7d
SIGNED:
m&///dA d-""t
k
I
Conclusions
11/13/90
Bacterial: There was no evidence of septicemia from tissue bacterial culture. Normal bacteria were found in the upper respiratory and colon , area. Histology: Initial results from first pathologist on 10-12-90, pointed toward a possible viral infection as evidenced by 1) Meningoencephalitis 2) Lymphoid hyperplasia 3) Enteritis A second set of tissues were submitted to a second histopathologist. Initial phone results indicated similar findings and additional slides containing meninges were. sent by the 1st pathologist for review. The second histopathologist8s major findings included 1) Leptomeningitis 2) Chronic cerebral and spinal chord perivasculitis 3) Lymphoid inflammation of intestinal tract Additional tissues were requested on 11-13-90 which will be sent for processing. CAT and MRI exam of brain - No lesions were noted. Comments: The acute clinical decline of this animal suggested the possibility of an infectious or toxic etiology. The relative absence of any lethal lesions noted at necropsy also suggested that the diagnosis would depend on the histopathology evaluation. Findings by independent histopathologists resulted in similar findings with emphasis placed on the intestinal tract, brain and lymphoid tissue. Unfortunately if the lesions noted are viral in origin, discovery of the exact virus may be difficult. Frozen tissues will be submitted for viral isolation. Additional examination of the brain tissue will be initiated by a third party in an attempt to locate other potential lesion sites. The ventral pneumonitis and esophagitis while evident grossly were not serious enough to be related to the cause,of death. 'The foreign body recovered from the first compartment of the stomach, while visually surprising, did not cause the death of the animal. This is further evidenced by the fact that it was present for at least three years without any clinical signs of gastrointestinal abnormality.
Zoological ~ a t h o l o g yc o n s u l t
Ke~it G. Osborn, DVM Histopathology R e p o r t
,
,
Z P C # r 90SWMX :1OA S u b m i t t e d b y ; Sea W o r l d , F l o r i d a D a t e R e c e i v e d : 10-04-90 ' D a t e R e p o r t e d : 10-12-90
ID
Species: Prcinus s r c a
C o m m o n : k i l l e r whale Breed : House : 4h8701
Sex:
Age:
male adult
1. b r a i n , c e r e b r u m , c e r e b e l l u m , s p i n a l c o r d , i n f l a m m a t i o n , perivascular infiltrates, lymphocytic infiltrate plus minimal neutrophil infiltrates, c a u s e undetermined, possible virus, see c o m m e n t .
2. meninges, inflammation, neutrophilic infiltrate
lymphoid
Infiltrate
plus
3. p e r i p h e r a l p l u s m e s e n i k r i c 1j.mph n o d e s , i n t e r f b l l i c u l a r l y m p h o i d h y p e r p l a s i a , c a u s e u n d e t e r m i n e d , p o s s i b l e v i r u s , see cornmen t
4. s p l e e n , l y m p h o i d h y p e r p l a s i a
5. t r a c h e a , s u b m u t a s a , i n f l a m m a t i o n , infiltrate plus rare neutrophils
6. i n t e s t i n e , p o s s i b l e d u o d e n u m , mucosa,
mild
plasma
cell
T i b r o s i s plus mild,
chronic intlammation
7. intestine, inflammation
possible
duodenum,
serosa,
mild
acute
8. ec;ophagus, u l c e r p l u s c h r o n i c i n t l a m m a t i a n , l y m p h a c y t i c infiltrate p l u s minirnal/mild n e u t r o p h i l i n f i l t r a t e , c a u s e u n d e t e r m i n e d , p o s s i b l e gastric r e f l u x , see c o m m e n t
blowhole?, ulcer plus moderately severe chronic inflammation, lyrnphopla~macytic infiltrate plus neutrophils, etiology undetermined
active
9.
skin,
10. h e a r t , inflammation, i n f i l t r a t e , see c o m m e n t
lymphocytic
plus
neutrophilic
~ i ~ r o s c w ~ i c fhrnrnery
( s l i d e n u m b e r in parentheses)
T.haa f o l l o w i n g t i s s u e s were e x a m i n e d r n i c r o ~ c o p i c a l l yand f o u n d t o b e essentially n o r m a l ! b r a c h i a l p l e x u s (11,14), a d r e n a l ( 1 3 ) , g l a n d u l a r s t o m a c h (141, a n d s k e l e t a l m u s c l e (9).
, '
Lesi'ons a n d / o r n o t a b l e m i c r o s c o p i c f i n d i n g s a r e present , n t h e following tiesue61 b r a i n ( c e r e b r u m (11. c e r e b e l d u m w i t h m e n i n g e s ( 2 1 ) a n d s p i n a l c o r d (2) P e r l v a s c u l a r c u f f s c o n s i s t i n g p r i m a r i l y : af lymphocytes with minimal or no accompanying n e u t r o p h i l s a r e p r e s e n t i n t h e c e r e b r u m s e c t i o n , in t h e cerebellar white matter and in the spinal cord gray matter. T h e r e is m a r k e d i n v o l v e m e n t o f t h e cere.bellar m e n i n g e s a s well. Within these lymphoid aggregetes, the c e l l s a r e medium-sized lymphocytes a n d t h e r e a r e r a r e m i t o t i c Yiqures. brain, cerebrum, cerebellum, spinal c o r d , inflammation, perivascular infiltrates, lymphocytic infiltrate plus minimal nautrophil infiltrates, c a u s e undetermined, p o s s f b l e v i r u s , see c o m m e n t .
D x t meninges, inflammation, lymphoid infiltrate plus
Dx:
neutrophilic infiltrate p r o s t a t e (31: T h e p r o s t a t e i t s e l f has no r e c o g n i z e d l e s i o n s , but t h e r e is a f o c a l a g g r e g a t e o f l y m p h a c y t e s i n t h e p e r i p r a s t a t i c a d i p a s e / c o n n e c t l v e tissue. t e s t i c l e (3): T h e r e i s m i l d / m o d e r a t e e p e r m a t o g e n e s i s , o t h e r w i s e no lesions a r e r e c o g n i z e d ( N L R ) . peripheral lymph n o d e ( 4 ) I T w o lymph node sections present here have widely expanded cortex, due t o a reactive interfollicular lymphoid population. Follicles a r e r e l a t i v e l y i n c o n s p i c u o u s , b e i n g c o m p r e s s e d by t h e l a r g e i n t e r f a l l i c u l a r p o p u l a t i o n to a n a r e a j u s t b e n e a t h t h e cortex. The follicles are not themselves obviously reactive. The interfollicular lymphoid population c o n s i s t s primarily of moderate t o m a d ~ r a t e l y l a r g ~ l y m p h o c y t e s , a d m i x e d w i t h s m a l l e r n u m b e r s of s m a l l l y m p h o c y t e s and a-t l y m p h a b l a s t s . Mi totlc figures are c o m m o n in t h e s e a r e a s , o n e o r m o r e p e r o i l i m m e r s i o n field. Medullary cords have'moderate lymphoplasmacytic populations.
D X I peripheral lymph node, interfoll lcular lymphoid h y p e r p l a e i a , c a u s e u n d e t e r m i n e d , possible v i r u s , see corrmen t Arr,+ivm< p: ' n Try_? h oroi-2: \ A A A A A ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ P ~ ~ c ) ~ ~ ~ P I * . . ~ ~ ~
l u n s (5.8L: T h e r e a r e o c c a s i o n a l l o o s e a g g r e g a t e s o f amell lymphocytas w i t h i n t h e parenchymal i n t e r s t i t i a l tissue, s o m e t i m e s n e a r bronchioles. CIlso p r e s e n t a r e s c a t t e r e d pigment-laden macropheges. The eubmucosa of s o m e bronchi c o n t a i n s mild plasma cell populations, M o d e r a t e c o n g e s t i o n i s p r e s e n t in t h e s e c t i o n i n s l i d e 8. duodenum ( 6 ) T h i s section o f intestine, which came f r o m I a container labeled duodenum, has a marked lamina p r o p r i a l p o p u l a t i o n o f p l a s m a c e l l s , as w a l l a s a lymphoid n o d u l e in t h e d e e p mucosal lamina propria.
B e e Th.is n o d e ha% m a p p e a r a n c e a s t h e p e r i p h e r a l l y m p h node^.
the
same
t r a c h e a ( 7 ) : In t h i s s e c t i o n , t h e s u p e r f i c i a l t r a c h e a l m u c o s a i s m i s s i n g , p o s s i b l y d u e t o a r t i f a c t u a l loss. T h e a u b m u c o s a c o n t a i n s a m i l d loose p l a s m a c y t i c i n f i l t r e t e a n d s c a t t e r e d n e u t r o p h i 1s.
Dx I t r a c h e a , s u b m u c o e a , i n f l a m m a t i o n , m i l d cell i n f i l t r a t e p l u s r a r e n e u t r a p h i l e
plasma
i n t e s t i n e . n o t o t h e r w i s e s p e c i f i e d (NOS) ( 7 ) 8 T h i s UP s e v e r a l s e c t i o n of t i s s u e h a s e s m o o t h m u s c l e w a l l l a y e r s a n d a m u c a s a t h a t c o n t a i n s c r y p t s l i n e d by There a r e some submucosa 1 glanda c o l u m n a r e p i t h e 1 ium. w i t h cuboidal epithelium, s u g g e s t i v e o f Brunner's g l a n d s , e v i d e n c e t h a t thih; m a y b e a a e c t i a n a f d u o d e n u m . The rnucosa is m o d e r a t e l y h e a v i l y i n f i l t r a t e d by f i b r o u s tissue which distorts the expected orientation and In a d d i t i o n , t h e r e is a d i f f u s e , s p a c i n g of t h e c r y p t s . mild mixed inflammatory mucosal infiltrate consisting of plasma cells, lymphacytes ond neutrophils. The csro6a _ o f t h i s section has mild inflammation, with e d e m a a n d a neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrate.
Dx: i n t e s t i n e , p o s s i b l e d u o d e n u m , m u c o s a , f i b r o s i ~
p l u s m i l d , c h r o n i c i n f l a m m a t i o n , see c o m m e n t
Dx : i n t e s t i n e , p o s s i b l e d u o d e n u m , s e r o s a , m i l d a c u t e
inflammation
s k i n , p o s s i b l y b l o w h o l e (7)r T h i s s k i n s e c t i o n is ulcerated o n o n e side and contains chronic a c t i v e inflammation, c o n s i ~ t i n g f 1ymphoplasmacyticinfiltratea o a d m i x e d w i t h n e u t r o p h i l s i n t h e s u p e r f i c i a l d e r m i s , plus l a r g e a g g r e g a t e s at n e u t r o p h i l s at t h e s u r f a c e . No e t i o l o g i c a g e n t s a r e recognized.,
Dx I skin, b l o w h o l e ? , u l c e r
p l u s moderately severe chronic active inflammation, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate plus neutrophils, etiology undetermined
kin (1918 T h i s skin section has mild/minimal l y m p h o p l a s m a c y t i c i n f i l t r a t e s in t h e s u p e r f i c i a l d e r m i s .
spleen (12): T h e r e
is m o d e r a t e l y m p h o i d h y p e r p l a s i a . without reactive follicles, suggesting expansion o f periarteriolar lymphcid sheaths. T h e cell populations are morphologically similar to those described in the l y m p h n o d e s , a n d h a v e a$ s i m i l a r a m o u n t o f m i t o t i c figures.
Dx: s p l e e n , l y m p h o i d h y p e r p l a s i a
k i d n e y (12) T h e k i d n e y c o r t e x h a s w i d e s p r e a d m o d e r a t e : t u b u l a r d i l a t a t i o n , suggestive of a " s h o c k kidney". Glcimerular m o r p h o l o g y v a r i e s , w i t h o f t e n o w o l l e n , a t times hypercellular glomerular tufte, and variable hypertrophy o f B o w m a n ' s c a p s u l e parietal epithelium. The Bowman's capsule basement membranes are variably thickened (minimal t o moderate).
1 i w e r (13)r M i l d c e n t r l l o b u l a r d e g e n e r a t i o n i s p r e s ~ n t i n thi's s e c t i o n , o t h e r w i s e NLR.
Avoah node NOS (13) M o r p h o l o g y is r described f o r peripheral lymph nodes.
-t
similar
to
that
NO e p i t h e l i u m i s p r e s e n t i n t h i s s e c t i o n of e s o p h a g u s . T h e l u m i n a l s u r f a c e i s l i n e d by a d e n s e cellular infiltrate which overlies densely callagenaus, almaet hyalinized submucosa. The cellular i n f i l t r a t e consists o'f a p l e o m o r p h i c r e a c t i v e l y m p h o i d p o p u l a t i o n , i n w h i c h t h e r e a r e s c a t t e r e d m i t o t i c Sigures;. R a r e s m a l l a g g r e g a t e s o f n e u t r o p h i l s a r e also p r e s e n t , g e n e r a l l y n e a r t h e l u m i n a l surface.
Dx r
e s o p h a g u s , u l c e r p l u s ctironic i n f l a m m a t i o n , lymphocytic infiltrate plus minimel/mild neutrophil I n f i l t r a t e , cause undetermined, possible g a s t r i c r e f l u n , see comment
h e a r t (9): In t h i s h e a r t s e c t i o n t h e r e i s m i l d / m o d e r a t e n u c l e a r size v a r i a t i a n a n d m i l d / m i n i m a l i n t r a c e l l u l a r myocardial' f i b e r pigment, probably lipafuscin. O f note a r e s c a t t e r e d a g g r e g a t e s o f . i n f l a m m a t o r y cel Is t h a t g e n e r a l l y a r e placed only. around t h e margin o f t h e s e c t i o n , g i v i n g some s u g g e s t i o n t h a t t h e y a r e a r t i f a c t u a l "floaters" from o t h e r tissue sections. T h e s e a g g r e g a t e s of lymphocytes and nmaller numbers of consist
1 ,rr,+ivmi p:
, 1
err,.
Oroi~P,:
\ A A A A A ! . * ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ P ~ ~ C ) ~ ~ ~ ~ : . ~ ~ ~
n e u t r o p h i 15, admixed w i t h e r y t h r o c y t e s .
Dx: heart, inflammation, lyrnphocytic n e u t r o p h i l i c i n f i l t r a t e , see comment
plus
Cornmen t The d i s e a s e p r o c e s s r e c o g n i z e d i n t h e s e s e c t i o n s t h a t i s most l i k e l y r e l a t e d t o t h e a n i m a l ' s d e a t h i 6 a widesprmad n e n e u p p u r a t i v e meningoencephalitis. The p r e d o m i n a n t l y l y m p h o i d n a t u r e o f t h e i n f lammatory i n f i l t r a t e s i n t h e c e . n t r a 1 n e r v o u s system p a i n t e away g i v i n g evidence, instead f o r a c e l l f r o m a b a c t e r i a l cause, mediated r e a c t i o n . F u r t h e r s u p p o r t f o r a c e l l - m e d i a t e d immune response, w h i c h c o u l d o c c u r i n a p o t e n t i a l v i r u s i n f e c t i o n , i s t h e n a t u r e o f t h e l y m p h o i d h y p e r p l a s i a t h a t i 6 described in t h e lymph nadea and s p l e e n . T h i s r s a r t i a n a p p e a r s ta be o c c u r r i n g i n a r e a s 1 have seen t h a t a r e t h e normal homing s i t e s af T lymphocytes. s i m i l a r r e a c t i o n 5 i n o t h e r animals w i t h systemic v i r a l i n f e c t i o n . 4s D r . Walsh and I d i s c u s s e d o v e r t h e t e l e p h ~ n o , d e f i n i t i v e e t i o l o g i c a l d i a g n o s i s is d i f f i c u l t . I agree w i t h D r . Walmh's s ~ ~ g g ~ ~t h a tn e;nrnlngy t ~ q t i n g t i n fnr ~ n r ~ p h r s l n r n y n r a r d i t i v f t - 1 1 ~ cl AS an i m p o r t a n t r u l e o u t . Beyond t h a t , c u l t u r e f o r a m y s t e r y v i r u s c a n be e x t r e m e l y e l u s i v e . I wcruld recommend m a i n t a i n i n g t h e f r o z e n ~ a r n p l e e o f t i s s u e ( b r a i n and lymph node i n p a r t i c u l a r ) a t -70 d e g r e e s F u n t i l such t i m e as c u l t u r m a t t e m p t s m i g h t be c a r r i e d out, From t h e v e r b a l h i s t o r y 1 r e c e i v s d f r o m D r . Walsh, the esophagus s e c t i o n w i t h u l c e r a t i o n p r o b a b l y c o r r e 6 p ~ n d s t o t h e ' d i s t a l esophageal u l c e r r e c o g n i z e d a t necropey. The g r o s s l y I - e e e g ~ i r e d rthiCe Q s e i i~ +he duadrntlm p~.nhnhlr,a wmra b k o rnrolc a t l a m i n a p r o p r i a l f i b r o s i c d e s c r i b e d i n t h e s e c t i o n p r e s e n t hero. These may be t h e s i t e s o f p r e v i o u s i n f l a m m a t i o n and p o s s i b l e u l c e r s t h a t have s i n c e h e a l e d . T h e h e a r t s e c t i o n i n f l a m m a t i o n , as m e n t i o n e d above, Ls o n l y p r e s e n t a l o n g t h e edges, making i t d i f f i c u l t t o say w i t h essurance t h a t t h e s e i n f l a m m a t o r y a g g r e g a t e s w e r e a c t u a l l y associated with the h e a r t . Iw i l l get recuts of t h i s slide, and have a s k e d D r . bdalsh t o send an a d d i t i o n a l h e a r t section.
VETERINARY REFERENCE LABORATORIES
Dr. M I C ~ S P TI k ' a l s h ~ S e a Wcrld 7087 S e s W o r l d Crlve
Clrlando, F L
Dear Lt. Y s l s k , :
I recently r e v i e w E d t h e h i s t ~ p a t h t l o g y o f a case f r o n t h e U n ~ v e r E ~ to f Miami D c p a r t ~ ; ~ n ' to f C c t ~ p a r a t i v e Path01 o g y (CF-9By 4540-10 g l a s s $ l i d e s ) ana a case i d e n t i f i e d f r o n t h e San b l e g o Z o o (RP-43E3-1 g l a s s 5 3 a d a ) . These s l i d e s represented t ~ s s u e s f r o m a v e p ~ r t e dp a l e killer w h a J ~ ,
Case RP-4323 cnntajns t w o 9 e c t i a r 1 s o f c e n t r a l nervous system t i s s u e ~ h i l eCF-08-4540 c o n S a a n s t i c s u e & ft-om t h e central end peripheral n e r v o u s systeas, gartr@in+estinal trac* aneluding 1 ~ v e r * ,praaary lyrrphoic! t i s s u e s , - s k e l e t a l m u s c l e , a d r e n a l gland bnd vsrious epitheljal tissues some raesemb1ing possible s u p e r f i c i a l t i s s u e s o f t h e nasal sac region, Rs
one o f many consultants on
t h i s case
1 will
review
only the
significant macroscopic l e s i o n s .
l e p r a a e n i n g e s of' t h e c e r e b e l l u m o f f?P-4323 are characterized by moderate m u l t l f oral in91 l t r s t e s o f primarily 1 y m p h a c y t e s , p l a s r a cells, and sparse numbers 17 h i s t i o c y t r s and neutrophiis. f h o r o 1s s l s o miJd nultlfocal her~rrhege. Meningeal t i s s u e i s not present w i t h t h e o t h c ~ CNS t i s s u e s u b m i t t e d .
The
matter have m5ld t o ~ s d @ r a t e perlva5culer c u f f i n g ~f priaarlly l y n p h a c y t e r and p i a s p a cells. Gcrasi tna3 spinal c o r d n e u r o n s c o n t a i n 1 i p o f u s c i n and t h e r e i c m i l d m u l t i f o c a l hemoPrtiage.
7he cerebrum
and s p i n a l
rord g r a y
e K a n i n e b 1 s characterized superflcicl a n d d e e p l a n ~ n a praprjalpopulations of l y ~ p h o i d cells i n c l u d i n a l y n p h ~ b l a s t s , welldi f f e r e n t i a t c d 1 y @ p h b ~ ' j t e b srtd p l a ~ n aeel 1 5 .
T h e s i n g l e sect103 o f by both e~tenslR Y
small i h t e r t i n e
D r e Michael
T.
Wafsh
t4c~vernber 13, 1 9 4 8 page 2
n o d e a n d ~ p l e e nare r~:amaned. Some ' reP,&rkahly abncrmal charac,teri z e d b y l y m p h o i d o r b o t h g e t - s ; ~ r , a lfell z c 2 e s ant: parafolllcular r b n e s , M e d u l l a r y 5 1 n u s r s in some n o d e s contazn n u m e r o u s h i s t i o r y t e s and e~s~noph~ls. One n o d e has moderate wultifocal h e m o s i C e r o s i s w i t h p o r a f o l l i c u J a r hyperplasaa. The s p l e e n hss rcgderate r e a c t i v e c f r a n 3 ~ sa n d fccal t l 5 ~ c 5 i d e ~ t s : 5 , m v l t l p l e ~ e c t ~ o n 5 f lymph t
lymph n c d d e p j e t ion
e ~ar-e
The 1I ver has m i I d c e n t r i l o b u l a r vacuolar d ~ 5 e n e r a ion t h e p a t o c y t ~ sa n d m ~ l dextramedul!ery hehatopoiests.
of
and s e r h n C b t @ a S c h coinpar.tnfr~ts a r e characterize6 by mrld to a o d ~ r a et muli;ifocal superfacial submuc@sal f j m p h ~ p f a ~ a & c y t i n f ~ l t r a t e ~ . There >~ 1s a l s o f ~ c a jR U C O S ~ ~ Prorron, vacuolar degeneration a n d w i l d lyprphocytic e ~ o c y t o s a in ~ o n e s e c t i o n of first stcraach clr distal esophagus. The third s t o m a c h c o m p a r t e f r l t h a s similar m i 1 6 chronic ~ n f l a m m a t ~ ~ n ,
Tf-rcf > r s t
S e c t l o n b o f n o n i n t e g u m s n ~ a r y epithelia3 t i s s u e s h a v e m o d e r a t e d i f f u s e vacucmlar e p i t h e l l s l degeneration N a t h n o d r r a t e associated submuccrsal rnf iltrates DT pramari 1 y lymphocytes, h i s t i o c y t e s and
p l e s n a cells. Methenamane Y i 1 cler s f d i n s demonstrate n u m e r o u s small s e p t a t e , occaoionally branching, fungel hyphae jn only the supcrP1ciaJ e p i t h e l i a l layers and n n t generally a s s c c i a t e d ~ i t h rnf l a n n a t o r y cell ~ n iltrate5. f
7he hcar-t has rriId niultifccal arrt~rstitisl f i b v r . 5 1 ~a n d t h e tcsticltis are characterized by seninifertus t u b u l a r atrophy. Dnly occasional t u b u l a r l u n e n s c b n t a i n mature spermatozpa.
section o f l u n g e x a m i n e d h a s mild m u l t ifccal i r l t E r s t i t i a J inf i l t r a t e r s t f p r i m a ~ r y l y e p h o i d c e l l s , l There i s also f c r e l p u l ~ o n a r yh e n c r ~ - h a g ,
7ho
The adrenal g1;hd h ~ c o d e r a t e d i f f u s e lipid d e p l e t i o n prinarily s o f t h e zona g l o n ~ r u l c s a G n u fhsicklts.
Page 2 o f 3
whale's d e a t h 1 3 , a t Rddlticnal CNP t i s s u e with assoc~ated a r r l ~ r ~ g o5 t , o u ! d s t e e x e s i n ~ d t o try t o 6 r c c r t s i n t h e e x t ~ n ta n d p o 5 3 ; t . 1 ~~ t l o t)gv ~f t h e l ci-~ronic fir*,-sgppurative l a p t o m e n i n f i ~ t s ant5 r t ' ~ r * o n ~ c e v e t :'<I] r ant2 s r ~ n a 1 E C Y ~ p e r i v & ~ c u 1 i t1 5 . Whi 1 e e ? i c , ! o g ~ t egerli;s a v e r i o t p r h s e n t I ~ I h e s e tisclcres, t h r h i r t t l o g i c t ~ a t t p r r i c ~ . ~ y r ~ c ~ t c f . a ebjral c-r- s o m e p r o t t ~ : o z n l n f e c t ~ ~ r ' ~ ~ . / l ~
From t h e
t ~ s r . u e a ,e ) : a n i n ~ d t h e c a u s e o f t h i 6
1:'~.
hf'z t ,
speculat
t l c t c t l c - ~ ~ f ~ f . ~ ' l $ f r ' lCc, I S S U P . ~ s h o u l d a160 br e u a m l n ~ dtc, try t c , c ? c t i ~ - o l n c Yt'!e c h ~ l n g ~ fy r e s e t ~ t r * ~ f l r c t mat-C.~c'i g u t 35 s c c ~ , ? t e c ' fccnl 1yfiphc~ld h y ~ e r p l a s ~ a or a c51ffuse 1 ) a ~ p r , o p j a s r z , t sr ~ f alf a n a ~ t c r ) .f r c c e s s . :
G , ~ IO Y /E efit E P I C l ~ s j o t ; ~ F ~ S ~ x t o n s v ~ ,funct i c l n a l W i PI D P I S F c s f S ~ I Ea s 5 c i z i i , t ~ 6 o r g a n s aey h a v e tee13 c o r ~ t r ~ b u t o r b ~
t h s Cti3 tors
irl
thrs a ~ i r n a l ~ s ath. de
Page 3 o f 3
March 15, 1991 Dr. Nancy Foster Director National Marine Fisheries Service Protected Species and Habitat Conservation 1335 East West Highway Room 8268 Silver Spring, MD 20910
,
Re:
Necropsy report/SWF-00-8701
Dear Dr. Foster: Our letter dated November 19, 1991, which transmitted the gross necropsy and pathology reports for the Killer whale identified as SWF-00-8701, stated that additional histologic and viral studies would be conducted in an attempt to pinpoint a specific virus as the cause of death of this animal. These studies (attached), have been completed. Visual examination of the formalin fixed brain and re-examination of other brain sites histologically were conducted by three independent investigators. A fourth independent specialist received samples of all tissues for in-depth viral screening. causative virus w'as not detected by the histopathologist or isolated by the viral specialist.
Therefore, the diagnosis made in the necropsy report conclusion dated 11/13/90 remains unchanged.
Mike Walsh, D.V.M.
Sea World, Inc. 7007 Sea World Drive Orlando, FL 32821-8097
(407) -3600 351
FAX (407)345-5397
k s c h Entertainment Corporation
ON( Or
It
