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Ultra-rare, deep-diving whale dies on New England beach with possible case of bird flu
News
By Sascha Pare
published about 3 hours ago
A necropsy revealed that the animal may have been infected with avian influenza, which would be "a big deal" if it is confirmed by further testing, scientists
A mysterious, deep-diving whale has died after a "highly unusual" stranding in Gloucester, Massachusetts — and it may have been infected with bird flu, scientists say.
The animal was still breathing when a response crew arrived on the scene at Wingaersheek Beach on May 18. The team had never seen anything like it before.
"It was alive when it initially stranded, and was noted to be somewhat lethargic, but still thrashing occasionally," said Brian Yurasits, a member of the Seacoast Science Center's (SSC) Marine Mammal Rescue team. The long-beaked creature looked like "a mix between a whale and a dolphin," Yurasits told New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR).….
The results indicated that the beaked whale had a viral infection that caused its brain to become inflamed and swollen. "The degree of inflammation explains the death of this animal, as well as why it might have been disoriented and strayed into shallow waters," said Inga Sidor, a clinical associate professor of molecular, cellular and biomedical sciences at the University of New Hampshire and lead pathologist on the necropsy.
Scientists are still testing the animal's cerebral tissue to determine which virus caused the infection, but "avian influenza is a top consideration," Sigor told Live Science in an email. Only a very small number….:tiphat:https://www.livescience.com/animals/whales/ultra-rare-deep-diving-whale-dies-on-new-england-beach-with-possible-case-of-bird-flu?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter.com &utm_content=livescience&utm_medium=social
News
By Sascha Pare
published about 3 hours ago
A necropsy revealed that the animal may have been infected with avian influenza, which would be "a big deal" if it is confirmed by further testing, scientists
A mysterious, deep-diving whale has died after a "highly unusual" stranding in Gloucester, Massachusetts — and it may have been infected with bird flu, scientists say.
The animal was still breathing when a response crew arrived on the scene at Wingaersheek Beach on May 18. The team had never seen anything like it before.
"It was alive when it initially stranded, and was noted to be somewhat lethargic, but still thrashing occasionally," said Brian Yurasits, a member of the Seacoast Science Center's (SSC) Marine Mammal Rescue team. The long-beaked creature looked like "a mix between a whale and a dolphin," Yurasits told New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR).….
The results indicated that the beaked whale had a viral infection that caused its brain to become inflamed and swollen. "The degree of inflammation explains the death of this animal, as well as why it might have been disoriented and strayed into shallow waters," said Inga Sidor, a clinical associate professor of molecular, cellular and biomedical sciences at the University of New Hampshire and lead pathologist on the necropsy.
Scientists are still testing the animal's cerebral tissue to determine which virus caused the infection, but "avian influenza is a top consideration," Sigor told Live Science in an email. Only a very small number….:tiphat:https://www.livescience.com/animals/whales/ultra-rare-deep-diving-whale-dies-on-new-england-beach-with-possible-case-of-bird-flu?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter.com &utm_content=livescience&utm_medium=social