Pathological findings in two fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) with evidence of morbillivirus infection

Two immature female fin whales stranded on the Belgian and French coastline s, were examined post mortem. The main gross findings were massive parasiti c infestation, associated with a large thrombus in one whale, and severe em aciation. Microscopical investigations revealed multinucleated syncytia wit h large intranuclear inclusion bodies in various tissues, and positive immu nolabelling for morbillivirus antigens. Other evidence of morbillivirus inf ection was provided by the demonstration of specific viral structures in sy ncytia and in cell cultures, and the detection of neutralizing antibodies t o canine distemper virus. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first firm report of morbillivirus infection in baleen whales. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publ ishers Ltd.