Social lives of whales and dolphins shape the spread of infectious diseases

Social lives of whales and dolphins shape the spread of infectious diseases

Australian humpback dolphins (_Sousa sahulensis_) engage in close social contact. Caitlin Nicholls, CEBEL, Flinders UniversityDolphins, whales and seals are highly social animals. Many live in groups, form long-term relationships, and repeatedly interact with the same individuals over years or even decades. Some dolphins have preferred companions, while others move between groups in fluid, ever-changing social networks. These social lives bring …