THE MORBILLIVIRUS EPIDEMIC OF THE STRIPED DOLPHIN STENELLA-COERULEOALBA IN THE MEDITERRANEAN-SEA

In Juli 1990, a Morbillivirus epidemic decimated the striped dolphin ( Stenella coeruleoalba) population in the Mediterranean sea. The epidem ic started in Spain and advanced progressively to the shores of Turkey . The article describes the chronology oi the phenomenon, the symptoms and lesions observed, and summarises curent Knowledge concerning the Morbillivirus responsible for these deaths. The environmental factors (pesticide and heavy metal pollution, and trophic factors) which favou r the disease are highlighted as well as the consequences on marine ma mmal population in the Mediterranean sea.