Date: Mon, 25 Sep 1995
DOLPHINS IN MYSTERY DISEASE PERIL
By John Clark, PA News

The world's most northerly bottle-nosed dolphins are under threat from a mystery disease, according to scientists. The dolphins, which swim in the Moray Firth in north east Scotland, are affected by an unusual skin disease. Most of the 130 animals have developed black spots, white rings and swelling while others have formed humps and deformed fins.

Dr Ben Wilson of Aberdeen University has studied the dolphins for almost seven years.

"They are swimming in a cocktail of chemicals of human origin any one of which could be the cause," he said.

Unusual skin patterns on the dolphins were noticed six years ago but could have been there much longer. Dr Phillip Hammond of the government's Sea Mammal Research Unit at Cambridge said he feared the disease could mean the extinction of the Moray Firth dolphins. The population was so small that even a small decrease in numbers could render the colony unviable.

Anyone discovering a dead dolphin has been asked to call the Scottish Strandings Unit at Inverness on 01463 243030.



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