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Beluga cutaneous papillomatosis
Beluga cutaneous papillomatosis is a disease caused by a virus of the papillomavirus family. It causes the appearance of small growths called papillomas, or warts, mainly on the skin and genital mucous membranes of the animal. This disease...
What is it?
Beluga cutaneous papillomatosis is a disease caused by a virus of the papillomavirus family. It causes the appearance of small growths called papillomas, or warts, mainly on the skin and genital mucous membranes of the animal. This disease has mainly been described in belugas living in estuaries or coastal areas, particularly in North America. It affects both wild belugas and those kept in dolphinariums or water parks. In most cases, the lesions remain benign and do not cause serious consequences for the general health of the animal.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The most visible sign is the appearance of small masses on the surface of the skin, resembling warts or miniature cauliflowers. These papillomas are most often found on the genitals, but can also appear elsewhere on the body, particularly in the mouth or on the skin of the trunk.
Lesions can be isolated or grouped together in clusters. They are generally grayish or whitish in color, with a rough texture.
In the majority of cases, the animal shows no signs of pain or apparent discomfort. However, if the papillomas become very numerous or ulcerate, local irritation or secondary infection of the skin may occur.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by a papillomavirus specific to cetaceans. This virus infects cells of the skin and mucous membranes, causing these cells to multiply abnormally and form the characteristic growths.
There are several strains of papillomavirus depending on the species of cetaceans affected, that of the beluga being specific to this species or to very close species.
Certain factors seem to favor the appearance or persistence of the disease: a weakened immune system, significant environmental stress, exposure to pollutants in the water, or even a high population density in certain coastal areas or estuaries frequented by belugas.
Animals living in polluted waters or in populations in ecological difficulty seem to have more lesions.
Transmission
The virus is probably transmitted by direct contact between individuals, particularly during social interactions and reproductive behavior. Transmission by contact with infected skin or mucous membranes is the most likely route.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Diagnosis is first based on visual observation of typical lesions by a veterinarian specializing in marine mammals. A biopsy of the lesion, followed by a microscopic examination, confirms the papillomatous nature of the mass and rules out other possible causes such as a tumor of another type.
Molecular biology techniques can also be used to precisely identify the virus involved.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment validated for this disease in belugas. In most cases, no intervention is necessary because the lesions remain stable or regress spontaneously.
If the papillomas become bothersome, become infected or enlarge significantly, localized surgical removal may be considered by a specialist veterinarian. Antibiotic treatment may be used in cases of secondary bacterial infection of the lesions.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
There is no specific means of prevention against this disease in belugas. Reducing environmental stress and maintaining good water quality, both in a dolphinarium and in the natural environment, generally contribute to supporting the animal's immunity.
Regular monitoring of the skin allows early detection of the appearance of new lesions.
Possible complications
Complications are rare. They can include a secondary bacterial infection if the surface of the papilloma ulcerates, mechanical discomfort if the lesions are located on sensitive areas such as the genitals, or more rarely a progression towards a more extensive lesion in an animal already weakened on the immune level.
When to see a veterinarian
Appearance of new masses or growths on the animal's skin.
Lesions that grow rapidly, bleed, or appear infected.
Change in behavior associated with the lesions, such as visible discomfort.
Routine monitoring recommended for any beluga in a dolphinarium with known skin lesions.
Prognosis
The prognosis is generally good. Most belugas with cutaneous papillomatosis live normally without the disease affecting their general health or longevity. Lesions may remain stable for long periods or regress spontaneously.
Frequently asked questions
Is beluga papillomatosis contagious to humans?
No, this papillomavirus is specific to cetaceans and cannot infect humans.
Should a beluga affected by papillomatosis be isolated?
This is generally not necessary, because the disease most often remains benign and localized. The veterinarian evaluates on a case-by-case basis depending on the extent of the lesions.
Can these warts become cancerous?
It is rare, but regular veterinary monitoring is recommended to detect any abnormal development of a lesion.
Can papillomas be removed permanently?
Localized surgical removal is possible in the event of discomfort, but new lesions may reappear because the virus remains present in the body.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 11 August 2026
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