Dolphins dying along the Mid-Atlantic coast
Avoid direct contact with dead and dying dolphins
Hundreds of dead and dying bottle-nose dolphins have been found along the Mid-Atlantic coast from New York to North Carolina, according to a news report by Lenny Bernstein at The Washington Post. Marine organizations are trying to identify the cause of the death which some think is being caused by a virus called cetacean morbillivirus.
This virus causes the deaths of dolphins by suppressing the immune system and making them more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections. The virus does not threaten humans but is related to the virus that causes measles. Authorities are advising people to stay away from the sick and dead dolphins because of the risk of secondary infections.
If your family plans include a trip to the beach, this is a good topic for family discussions. Everyone should avoid direct contact with sick and dying dolphins.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden IMG_8772
Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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