Orca J50 critically ill at risk to parasitic worms: NOAA



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Scientists say that an emaciated and endangered killer whale swimming in the waters of the west coast has parasitic worms.

Michael Milstein of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in an email that biologists were ready Thursday to deliver a dart with deworming drugs at J50.

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The administration's Facebook page indicates that the genetic analysis of some of the stool samples and samples taken by the team shows the presence of parasitic worms.

The administration has already stated that the nearly four-year-old whale, also known as Scarlet, sometimes seems lethargic with periods of activity and is in poor condition and may not survive.

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The statement also said Seattle researchers took a J50 DNA sample last month and provided little DNA, but adapted their analysis to make the most of the available material.

Vancouver Aquarium chief veterinarian Martin Haulena was able to catch the sick whale with an antibiotic on Monday.

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