Two Cases of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Serotype 2 Infection in Bottlenose Dolphins

Abstract

20-year-old male and a 6-year-old male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), both born in captivity, were suspected of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection in August 1999. The older dolphin died and E. rhusiopathiae serotype 2 was isolated from his blood samples. The younger dolphin recovered from subacute erysipelas by administering sultamicillin tosilate (15mg/kg, BID) and doxycycline (8mg/kg, BID) although skin lesions were showing. Antibody against E. rhusiopathiae serotype 2 in the sera from these dolphins was detected.