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The results come from stool and breath samples collected by the NOAA team of researchers last month. The researchers had hoped that the fecal sample came from J50, the three-year-old emaciated member of the Southern Resident population of southern killer whales.
J16 pierced the west side of the island of San Juan in August.
Photo of Katy Foster / NOAA Fisheries, licensed 18786.
Genetic analysis revealed that a faecal sample came from the mother of J16, J50. The sample showed signs of parasitic worms. Since J16 catches the fish that she next shares with J50, the veterinary team prioritized the treatment of J50 with a dewormer after antibiotics.
Two antibiotic injections were administered to the young orca. The first did not deliver a full dose as it bounced off the whale. Another type of dart was used to deliver the second dose on September 4, 2018.
A second faecal sample was identified as J27, an adult male.
Researchers at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center have extracted DNA from the breath sample taken on August 9, 2018. Although the sample is small and it produces little in the way. DNA researchers are adapting their analysis to make the most of the available material.
NOAA is taking extraordinary steps to improve the health of young killer whales. The SRKW population fell to 75 members out of a population of 98 in 1995.
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