Dead porpoises carried dangerous bacteria | Inland

The scientists found Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in three quarters of the animals studied, a bacterium that can cause blood poisoning in cetaceans and occurs in more animals.

22 fish were examined, of which 16 were found to be female. The animals probably died about the same time. Until their death, the porpoises were in a reasonable or good condition, so sudden death is likely, according to the researchers. Eleven had empty stomachs and others hadn’t eaten much either. The researchers don’t know what caused this.

Several possible causes for the massive washing up could be crossed out, but much is still unclear. “Special weather conditions may have been partly responsible for the massive washing up of the animals, which must have died far out at sea,” the researchers said.

Erasmus University is also looking into the matter.

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