Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic Lifeorce has sent warnings to Provincial, State and Federal Health Agencies in Canada and the US recommending actions to stop any transmission of zoonotic diseases to and from domestic animals and wildlife in captivity. 

We also urged them to protect endangered orcas and any possible chain of contamination to other wildlife. Sewage continues to pollute orca habitats and threatens salmon that is a vital food source for endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales and others.

The new SARS-CoV-2 can survive in feces for weeks. The virus was found in European cities’ wastewater systems before cases of Covid-19 were confirmed there. In Boston and the Netherlands the idea to begin testing wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 emerged after research revealed that virus particles could be shed through stool and other bodily fluids.

Orcas in Captivity

A captive beluga whale infected with a coronavirus showed signs of severe liver damage. In another captive beluga a coronavirus was implicated in the cause of death. Three captive bottlenose dolphins had coronaviruses. However, as also found in people with Covid-19, they had no notable symptoms. So dolphins may be infected with coronaviruses but can appear to be in good health.

Although it has been under reported by the aquarium industry the same pathogens causing respiratory infections are found in both captive orcas and humans. At least 40 captive orcas have died from respiratory related diseases. This includes “Tilikum” who died from a bacterial respiratory infection on Jan 2019 after years of unsuccessful treatments. 

Microorganisms found in captives are also known to infect humans. “Haida” at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, BC died in 1982 from a bacteria Staphylococcal lung infection. Also,  the cause of death in two  captive  orcas  have  been  identified  as  mosquito-transmitted diseases  that  have  also  been  recorded  in  humans. (Encephalitis Virus and West Nile Virus).

In the Wild

Recently researchers at UC Davis have found that baleen and toothed whales, such as orcas, narwhals and belugas, may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.

In other marine wildlife, 21 harbor seals were found dead on the beaches of Point Reyes near San Francisco, California in June 2000. Three viruses were isolated including a coronavirus.

The zoonotic transmission of coronaviruses from cetaceans to humans and humans to cetaceans is possible.

Fishing Threats

There are further threats of transmission of Covid-19 to fish, to orcas and throughout the ocean food chain. If it is transmitted from infected fishermen through “catch and release” it could infect endangered species such as the SRKWs, seals, sea lions and other wildlife that need fish to survive. Fisheries, such as “Catch and Release”, must be closed!

If you live in Canada or the US please contact your political representatives!