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9336
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SC/67B/SH/10
The first report of a necropsy in Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) stranded in Tierra del Fuego in 2016
San Martín AA, Paso Viola MN, Dellabianca NA, Riccialdelli L, Torres MA , Massone AR
International Whaling Commission
2018
Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) occur worldwide and can be found mainly in oceanic waters. Stranding may be caused by disease, starvation, abandonment, or other unknown reasons. This study reports the first confirmed record of B. physalus at the coast of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (53°36'14.59"S/ 67°58'4.03"W) and provides information about the possible cause of death. Any superficial lesions were found and pathological analysis was not able to convincingly explain the stranding of the fin whale. However, histological section of lungs and respiratory tract showed a pneumonia principle that in combination with bad physical condition (e.g. insufficient fat deposits), may have contributed to its stranding and subsequent death.
