Although Cook Inlet belugas are known to be susceptible to a variety of bacterial pathogens (10), F. tularensis has not been previously detected in this population, or in other cetaceans. The pattern of pathology represents the pulmonary form of tularemia, and the route of exposure was likely inhalation of contaminated water. F. tularensis is primarily a disease associated with freshwater, but the brackish nature of Cook Inlet and nearshore residence of belugas expose them to potentially contaminated freshwater runoff as well as to other reservoirs typically associated with freshwater (e.g., aquatic rodents, mosquito larvae) (1,2). The cause of the infections in a previously unreported host is unknown; however, host factors such as immunosuppression or environmental changes, such as increased runoff, could be considered.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
/ Natalie Rouse
/ Mike Brubaker