NOAA’s investigation into the death of 580 bottle nosed dolphin over a several month period has found a partial answer. NOAA has found that a bacterial infection (Burcella) was the cause in five of the 21 dolphin examined. According to NOAA, this bacterium is common in marine and land animals and has minimal experience with humans.
This unusual high number of dolphin deaths has kicked off the investigation by NOAA and will continue. Exposure to oil could possibly reduce the animal’s ability to fight infection. “Right now, there is insufficient information distinguish between these possible explanations for the increases in mortality of dolphin in the Northern Gulf of Mexico”. NOAA advises anyone who sees a stranded dolphin in the Gulf of Mexico region to call 1-877-WHALE HELP (1-877-5343).
According to Teri Rowles, DVM, Ph.D., coordinator of NOAA’s National Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, the investigation of the bottle nose dolphin deaths and possible connection to the BP-Deepwater Horizon oil spill will continue.
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