First report of infestation by a parasitic copepod (Pennella balaenopterae) in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from the Aegean Sea: a case report

• Published in: Veterinární Medicína
• Main Authors: Gurel, A., Danyer, E., Yildirim, F., Dede, Ayhan, Aytemiz, I., Tonay, A. M.
• Other Authors: Turkish Marine Research Foundation ,, 58427
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Veteriner Bilimleri; Tarım ve Çevre Bilimleri (AGE); Sağlık Bilimleri; Tarımsal Bilimler; Bitki ve Hayvan Bilimleri; VETERİNERLİK BİLİMLERİ; Harbour porpoise; Phocoena phocoena; Copepods
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12627/59291; https://doi.org/10.17221/7661-vetmed

An adult, female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) was found stranded on the southern Aegean Sea coast of Turkey. Thirteen holes made by copepods were observed on the lateral sides of the porpoise. The copepods were identified as Pennella balaenopterae, based on the morphological characteristics and measurement. Tissue samples were collected from embedded parts of parasites, histopathologically examined and panniculitis findings were observed. Although this parasite copepod had been reported on several marine mammals, this is the first report in the harbour porpoise, and in the Aegean Sea.