BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Research scientists with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute weren’t looking for bird flu in bottle nose dolphins along the Indian River Lagoon. But that’s what they found.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Research Scientist Teresa Jablonski told us, “Actually, we have a long term vested research interest in the Indian River Lagoon dolphin population and coastal marine mammals. So just as part of our regular day to day research, we are responding to stranded animals that wash up on the beach. Whether they’re alive or dead, the animals that have died, we perform a detailed postmortem examination or necropsy.”
A pathologist skilled in marine mammal tissues and viruses noticed something that caused research scientists to take an even closer look.
They took samples from bottle nose dolphins stranded in December of 2023 and January of 2024 and sent them for testing.
Three of the four samples tested positive for avian influenza, or bird flu.
Read: Sanford Police arrest 2, seek 3rd suspect in December homicide outside Best Buy
Jablonski said, “We know that dolphins, when they’re chasing and catching fish that many times birds are also feeding on those going fish at the same time.”
Research scientists still believe the chances of marine mammals becoming ill from the virus are remote.
In fact, they say the bigger risks are posed by people. Jablonski told us sixteen entangled dolphins were found in the Indian River Lagoon last year.
Millions brace for winter storm as air travel is disrupted across the south
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2025 Cox Media Group
