Serological investigation of morbillivirus infections in minke whales (Balaenopter acutorostrata)

Abstract Morbillivirus infection in cetaceans was first recorded in the common porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena ) on the coast of Northern Ireland in 1988. Since then morbilliviruses have caused mortality in both the common porpoise and the striped dolphin ( Stenella coeruleoalba ) in European waters. The present investigation was performed to examine for the presence of serum antibodies against morbillivirus in the minke whale in North Atlantic waters. Serum samples from 129 minke whales were collected in 1992–1993 from five different geographical areas in the Northeast Atlantic. No neutralising antibodies against PDV (phocine distemper virus) were found.