Manual of Procedures for the Salvage and Necropsy of Carcasses of the West Indian Manatee ('Trichechus manatus')

摘要

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a necropsy and carcass salvage program for the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) in the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. Agency responsibilities and procedures utilized in retrieving carcasses are detailed. Descriptions and illustrations of manatee gross anatomy are provided and a necropsy protocol based on thorough examination of organ systems is described in detail. Aids to diagnosing cause of death, methods of specimen collection, storage and shipment, and procedures for recording and filing data are also given. A glossary of technical terms is included.