Qld: Baby humpback had inflammation of brain

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2006
Qld: Baby humpback had inflammation of brain

GOLD COAST, Aug 4 AAP - An autopsy has found a baby humpback whale which was put down
after becoming stranded on a northern NSW beach had inflammation of the brain.

Sea World vet David Blyde said the whale's condition, known as encephalitis, was likely
to be the reason behind it stranding on Cabarita Beach on July 18.

"This situation highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating the death of
marine animals in order to continue learning and understanding more about them," Dr Blyde
said.

"In the case of the baby whale, investigations also showed the animal had never suckled.

"The autopsy confirms that euthanasia was the best decision made on behalf of this animal."

About 8,000 humpbacks travel north from Antarctica each winter along the eastern coast
of Australia in search of warmer waters to breed.

A dead female dolphin found at North Stradbroke Island earlier this week was taken to Sea World.

The dolphin, which was heavily lactating, appeared to have suffered an impact to the
head, probably from a boat, and died suddenly.

But a New Zealand fur seal brought to the theme park a fortnight ago has been given
a clean bill of health and is responding well to its new environment.

AAP djp/sc/grc/sd

KEYWORD: HUMPBACK

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