The occurrence of Mycoplasma phocicerebrale, Mycoplasma phocidae, and Mycoplasma phocirhinis in grey and common seals (Halichoerus grypus and Phoca vitulina) in the United Kingdom

Ayling, R. D., Bashiruddin, S., Davison, N. J. , Foster, G., Dagleish, M. P. and Nicholas, R. A. J. (2011) The occurrence of Mycoplasma phocicerebrale, Mycoplasma phocidae, and Mycoplasma phocirhinis in grey and common seals (Halichoerus grypus and Phoca vitulina) in the United Kingdom. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 47(2), pp. 471-475. (doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-47.2.471) (PMID:21441202)

Abstract

Following the isolation of Mycoplasma phocicerebrale from the flipper wound of a grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) in Cornwall, UK, surveillance for Mycoplasma species was extended to include other seals rescued or found dead around the UK. Mycoplasma phocicerebrale was frequently detected from the teeth of seals and from infected wounds and respiratory tracts. Mycoplasma phocirhinis, Mycoplasma phocidae, and some unidentified Mycoplasma species were also detected. Mycoplasma phocicerebrale and M. phocidae were the only bacteria consistently identified from the wound infections, but their role in respiratory and other diseases remains unknown, as other bacteria were also isolated from respiratory sites.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: We thank the staff at the National Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, Cornwall and the Norfolk RSPCA for their help. We also thank Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the UK Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for funding.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Davison, Mr Nick
• Authors: Ayling, R. D., Bashiruddin, S., Davison, N. J., Foster, G., Dagleish, M. P., and Nicholas, R. A. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Wildlife Diseases
• Publisher: Wildlife Disease Association
• ISSN: 0090-3558
• ISSN (Online): 1943-3700