Manatee pneumonia
Manatee pneumonia is a lung infection affecting this herbivorous aquatic animal. It often occurs after significant stress such as cold, injury or transport. In the manatee, this disease is particularly serious because the animal must regula...
What is it?
Manatee pneumonia is a lung infection affecting this herbivorous aquatic animal. It often occurs after significant stress such as cold, injury or transport. In the manatee, this disease is particularly serious because the animal must regularly come to the surface to breathe, and affected lungs compromise this vital capacity. It is well documented in manatees in captivity or care centers, particularly during episodes of cold stress.
Key point
Manatee pneumonia can quickly become life-threatening because it compromises the animal's ability to come to the surface to breathe.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
A manatee with pneumonia breathes faster or appears to have difficulty breathing. He may remain abnormally on the surface of the water or, on the contrary, sink more than usual, because his lungs no longer function normally to ensure his buoyancy. The animal eats less, becomes listless and may appear weak. A discharge from the nostrils is sometimes visible. In advanced cases, the animal may have marked difficulty staying afloat to breathe.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Manatee pneumonia is most often of bacterial origin, sometimes caused by a secondary viral or fungal infection. Opportunistic bacteria present in the aquatic environment can infect the lungs when the animal's defenses are weakened. Cold stress is a recognized major cause: manatees are very sensitive to cold water and can develop a stress syndrome that weakens their immune system and promotes lung infections.
The main risk factors are exposure to prolonged cold water, transport or stressful handling, pre-existing injury (collision with a boat for example), young age or already weakened health. Manatees taken into care centers after trauma are particularly at risk.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian carries out a complete clinical examination including observation of respiratory behavior and swimming. Additional tests such as a blood test, analysis of respiratory secretions or imaging (x-ray or ultrasound) may be necessary to confirm lung damage and identify the causative agent.
Treatment
Treatment generally involves antibiotic therapy tailored to the identified agent, combined with supportive care such as maintaining appropriate water temperature, nutritional assistance, and sometimes oxygen therapy. Care is provided in a specialized environment, only an equipped center can handle an aquatic animal of this size.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Maintaining the animal in water at a suitable temperature is essential, especially in captivity or in a rehabilitation center. Avoiding unnecessary stressful handling and ensuring good water quality limits the risks. Close monitoring of injured or recently rescued manatees allows the first signs to be quickly detected.
Possible complications
Without treatment, pneumonia can progress to severe respiratory failure. The animal may lose its ability to control its buoyancy, preventing it from properly rising to the surface to breathe, with a risk of drowning. Sepsis (generalized infection) is also possible if left untreated.
When to see a veterinarian
The animal breathes unusually quickly or appears to have difficulty breathing.
The animal has difficulty staying on the surface of the water or floats abnormally.
The animal has refused to eat for several days.
The animal shows marked depression or nasal discharge.
Prognosis
The prognosis strongly depends on the speed of treatment. Detected early and treated in a specialized environment, pneumonia can be cured. On the other hand, if the lung damage is advanced or if the animal is already weakened by cold stress, the prognosis becomes guarded to gloomy.
Frequently asked questions
Is manatee pneumonia common?
It is mainly documented in manatees in care or rehabilitation centers, often after an episode of cold stress or trauma.
Can a wild manatee recover from it on its own?
This is unlikely without intervention, as the affected lungs compromise his vital ability to breathe on the surface. Specialized veterinary care is necessary.
Is this disease contagious to humans?
No, manatee pneumonia is not considered transmissible to humans.
What is the main warning sign?
Abnormally rapid or difficult breathing, associated with flotation disorders, should alert you immediately.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 24 September 2026
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