There has been an increase in skin disease in Pacfic north-west killer whales, a new study found.
There is a possible connection between the skin lesions and the declining condition of the orcas.
The study found that 99% of the animals examined exhibited the skin disease.
Southern Resident killer whale showing gray targets in saddle patch on October 18, 2014.
This comes during a growing interest in orcas after increasing killer whale boat interactions in other waters.
Persons:
—, Joe Gaydos, UC Davis, Joseph K Gaydos
Organizations:
Service, Privacy, PLOS ONE, UC, Center for Whale Research
Locations:
Pacfic, orcas, Southern, British Columbia, Washington