A risk-management approach to a mycotic disease potential in captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas)

In response to the isolation of Aspergillus fumigatus and other potentially pathogenic fungi in expired air from four of five captive beluga whales (D elphinapterus leucas), a systematic assessment of the magnitude and nature of the risks associated with this finding was conducted. Ten genera of ubiq uitous fungi, most of which were potential pathogens, were isolated from th e whales over a 16-month period. During this same period, the whales did no t exhibit any behavioral, physical, hematological, or biochemical indicatio ns of disease. All the genera of fungi isolated from the whales were also f ound in air and water samples taken throughout the facility. Opportunities for contamination of samples of expired air were identified. A decision tre e, which incorporated subjective probability estimates, was created. The fi nal risk-management plan involved: 1) alterations to the management of the pool to reduce environmental contamination and opportunities for exposure t o fungi, 2) more rigorous quality control for sample collection, and 3) an increased frequency of blowhole cultures. The animals at the facility, incl uding the newborn calf, remained healthy during the 3 years after the risk- management program. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.