Unusual Mass Mortality of Atlantic Puffins (<i>Fratercula arctica</i>) in the Canary Islands Associated with Adverse Weather Events

Unusual Mass Mortality of Atlantic Puffins (<i>Fratercula arctica</i>) in the Canary Islands Associated with Adverse Weather Events

The Atlantic puffin (<i>Fratercula arctica</i>) is a seabird species characterized by great diving capabilities and transoceanic migratory behavior. These movements contribute to the dispersion of the species during migration, and episodes of mortality associated with migration may be a...

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Main Authors: Cristian M. Suárez-Santana, Lucía Marrero-Ponce, Óscar Quesada-Canales, Ana Colom-Rivero, Román Pino-Vera, Miguel A. Cabrera-Pérez, Jordi Miquel, Ayose Melián-Melián, Pilar Foronda, Candela Rivero-Herrera, Lucía Caballero-Hernández, Alicia Velázquez-Wallraf, Antonio Fernandez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Animals
Subjects:
Atlantic puffin
<i>Fratercula arctica</i>
<i>Renicola sloanei</i>
mass mortality
starvation
nephropathy
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/9/1281
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Summary:The Atlantic puffin (<i>Fratercula arctica</i>) is a seabird species characterized by great diving capabilities and transoceanic migratory behavior. These movements contribute to the dispersion of the species during migration, and episodes of mortality associated with migration may be a normal event in the dynamic of the Atlantic puffin populations. This study aimed to describe the anatomopathological findings of an unusual mortality event of Atlantic puffins observed during the non-breeding period along the coast of the Canary Islands. The most consistent gross finding during necropsy was generalized muscle atrophy and fat depletion. The main histological findings were centered in the urinary tract, with dilation and inflammation of the primary ureter branch and medullary cones, and intraluminal trematodes identified as <i>Renicola sloanei</i> based on morphology and molecular analysis. Influenza virus infection was ruled out. The postmortem investigations performed in this mortality event of Atlantic puffins indicate that the animals were severely emaciated and suffered from nephropathy. The etiopathological investigation performed in relation to this mortality event of Atlantic puffins indicates starvation associated with bad weather conditions during migratory movement as the most likely cause of the unusual mortality event.
ISSN:2076-2615

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