Pathological findings in bycaught harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the coast of Northern Norway

Abstract Due to little prior knowledge, the present study aims investigate health status of bycaught harbour porpoises from northernmost Arctic Norwegian coastline. Gross, histopathological and parasitological investigations were conducted on 61 ( Phocoena phocoena ) accidentally captured in fishing gear February April 2017 along coast Northern Norway. Most animals displayed a good nutritional status, none emaciated. Pulmonary nematodiasis Pseudalius inflexus , Halocercus invaginatus Torynurus convolutus was found 77% associated with severe bronchopneumonia 33% animals. The majority (92%) had parasites stomach intestine Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (s. s.), Pholeter gastrophilus Diphyllobothrium stemmacephalum Hysterothylacium aduncum Pseudoterranova decipiens s. s.). prevalence gastric 69%. In 1st compartment A . 30% animals, causing chronic ulcerative gastritis 23%. Campula oblonga infected liver pancreas 90% 10% respectively, cholangitis/pericholangitis/hepatitis 67% moderate pancreatitis Mesenteric pulmonary lymphadenitis detected 82% 7% respectively. conclusion, major pathological findings investigated parasitoses multiple organs lesions, particularly lung, stomach. generally well nourished most showed freshly ingested prey their stomachs. indicates that able tolerate parasitic burden lesions without significant problems.