Researchers say parasite may have caused orca's illness

U.S. researchers have examined samples gathered from an ailing three-year-old orcaswimming off the West Coast and say a parasite may be the reason theyoung killer whale is so thin.

The distressed southern resident killer whale, known as J-50,has been the focus of a cross-border emergency response from fisheries officials and veterinarians for several weeks after images revealed the whale had lost 20 per cent of itsbody weight.

• U.S. and Canadian agencies partner to aid struggling orca in B.C. coastal waters

The scientiststestedfecal samples gathered last weekend from three members of the whale's pod called J-pod including J-50.

They found a moderate level of a parasite known as Contracaecum, according to a release from theU.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The worm is not usually a problem in healthy animals, the statement from NOAAsaid, but inthin, weak or compromised animals the parasite can penetrate the stomach lining and cause a bacterial infection in the bloodstream or bore into internal organs.

Officials say they can't be sure the positive sample came from J-50, but their veterinary team treating the orca will usea dewormer with an antibiotic in upcoming treatments.

NOAAsays the treatment will help reduce the bacterial and parasitic burden on itssystem, so it can begin to regain lost weight.

It says both treatment options have been safe and successful for use in other cetaceans.

Earlier this month, scientists attempted tofeed the killer whale live chinook salmon off a boat following a novel antibiotic treatmentby dart at sea.

Read more from CBC British Columbia