The disease that affects up to 70% of dolphin skin has been linked to global warming

Scientists from the Marine Mammal Center in California have linked dolphin skin disease to changes in

climate.For the first time since the discovery of the disease in 2005, researchers were able to understand the cause of its occurrence. They linked this to a decrease in water salinity due to global warming. It is because of this that dolphins develop spotty lesions on their skin; they can cover up to 70% of the body of mammals.

The research has been conducted inLouisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Texas, as well as Australia. In all these places, a common factor was a sudden and sharp drop in water salinity. Coastal dolphins are used to seasonal changes in salinity levels in their habitat, but they do not live in fresh water. The increasing intensity and frequency of storm events such as hurricanes and cyclones, especially when preceded by arid conditions, are also making coastal waters fresher. Higher temperatures will lead to even larger outbreaks of disease in dolphins.

In New Zealand, more than 100 dolphins washed ashore and died

“This destructive skin disease killsdolphins, identifying the problem is the first step to solving it. With a record hurricane season and more intense storm systems around the world due to climate change, an even larger outbreak of the disease can be expected, ”the scientists noted.

The current outbreak in Australia thataffects rare and endangered dolphins. At the same time, there is no cure for the disease, mammals cannot live long with skin lesions. This is especially true for animals suffering from prolonged exposure to fresh water.

Researchers first discovered the deadly skin disease in 2005.

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