Emerging Diseases in Marine Mammals:
Why is 'Flipper' Sick and Should We Be Concerned?

A talk and public discussion by Wildlife Veterinarian and Pathologist, Dr. Gregory Bossart.

In the past two decades, 30 diseases new to medicine have emerged. During the same period, older diseases such as malaria, cholera and tuberculosis have made a global resurgence. These emerging and resurging diseases are being documented in marine ecosystems as well, where they are impacting marine mammals in particular, including dolphins, whales and manatees. Besides the negative consequences of such wildlife epidemics, marine mammals with these diseases can serve as sentinels, providing early warning on current and potential negative trends in overall human health.

About Dr. Gregory Bossart

Dr. Gregory Bossart has spent the last 27 years working in clinical domestic, marine mammal, and avian medicine and wildlife pathology, at a national and international level. He has a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in immunology from Florida International University.

He presently serves as Senior Scientist, Chief Marine Mammal Veterinarian and Head of Pathology at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Ft. Pierce, Florida. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, and Affiliate Professor at Florida Atlantic University.

Since 1981, Dr. Bossart has also been the Medical Director at the Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center at the Miami Science Museum, where he has played a key role in helping the Museum carry out its mission of rehabilitating injured raptors.

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