Skin Lesions Appearing on Orcas , Signals Serious Underlying Condition.
Scientists have warned of a "strong increase" in skin lesions being found on an endangered population of orcas.
'The Guardian' reports that the scientists believe that the skin disease could be the result of the animal's weakening immune system.
Dr. Joseph K Gaydos of the SeaDoc Society at the school of veterinary medicine at the University of California was the lead author of the scientific paper.
The health significance … is not clear, decreasing body condition in an endangered, non-recovering population is a concern, Dr. Joseph K Gaydos, University of California school of veterinary medicine, via 'The Guardian'.
Dr. Gaydos warns that the lesions appear to be symptoms of a serious underlying condition.
This condition appears to be impacting the whales' overall health, from immune suppression to infertility.
The team warn that 99% of the orcas studied exhibited the lesions, a potentially disastrous sign for their fragile population.
It’s worrisome.
Now we need to try and isolate the potential infectious agent, Dr. Joseph K Gaydos, University of California school of veterinary medicine, via 'The Guardian'.
The co-authored paper points to a number of possible causes, which include warming coastal waters and the effects of persistent organic pollutants.
'The Guardian' reports that the coastal waters where orcas primarily forage are susceptible to runoff from both agricultural and industrial chemicals
