Surf and Turf: Approaching Single and Multiple Die-offs of Free-living Species

Rotstein, David S.; Pabst, D. Ann; McLellan, William A.

doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2005.11.007

« Previous Next »Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 1 , Pages 40-48, January 2006

Surf and Turf: Approaching Single and Multiple Die-offs of Free-living Species

David S. Rotstein, DVM, MPVM, ACVP
- Department of Pathobiology, The University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37996-4542 USA
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403 USA.
- Address correspondence to: David S. Rotstein, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Room A201, Knoxville, TN 37996-4542
D. Ann Pabst, PhD
- Department of Pathobiology, The University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37996-4542 USA
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403 USA.
William A. McLellan
- Department of Pathobiology, The University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37996-4542 USA
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403 USA.

Abstract

Field necropsies of individual or multiple animals can be fraught with difficulty and frustration. Planning and preparation for these events, including development of required supplies and equipment checklists, necropsy forms, designated test sites, and a personnel pool, can alleviate many problems. Flexibility is paramount in field situations as is the need for individuals from multiple disciplines to collaboratively collect, record, disseminate, and interpret findings.

Key words: stranding response , field necropsy , marine mammals , life history , chain of custody , forensics