Investigating brevetoxin-induced mortality in bottlenose dolphins stranded in central west Florida. Final performance report for the period August 1, 2006 - July 31, 2007.

Abstract

This study investigated the extent that brevetoxin intoxication may cause morbidity and mortality in dolphins. Archived samples were collected from stranded dolphins along the central west coast of Florida during 1991 and 1996, and additional tissues were collected from stranded dolphins during January 1, 2006 to March 8, 2007. Brevetoxin levels in tissues and/or body fluids from stranded dolphins during red tide events and in the absence of red tide were determined. The spectrum of gross and histologic lesions that might be associated with the presence of brevetoxin in tissues from stranded dolphins were investigated. Lastly, relationships between brevetoxin levels in dolphin tissues and K. brevis cell counts, stranding location, gender, age, diet, and/or health status were evaluated.