First report of a parasitic copepod (Pennella balaenopterae) infestation in a pinniped.
An infestation by the parasitic copepod Pennella balaenopterae was found in a stranded, 8-mo-old, female northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris). Diagnosis was based on the finding of the cephalothoraxes of 14 adult female copepods from three subcutaneous sites. Bacteria cultured from lesion exudate included Arcanobacterium phocae, Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella tarda, an Enterococcus sp., and Proteus mirabilis. The lesions were drained and irrigated with chlorhexidine, and the seal was treated with a subcutaneous injection of ivermectin. The seal recovered and was released after 43 days.
Dailey
Murray D
MD
Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, California 94965, USA.
Haulena
Martin
M
Lawrence
Judy
J
D000818:Animals; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D033342:Copepoda; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007306:Insecticides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D046048:Seals, Earless / Q000469:parasitology*; D012867:Skin / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology
D004202:Disinfectants; D007306:Insecticides; D007559:Ivermectin; D002710:Chlorhexidine