Killer whales facing an airborne threat
New research shows that killer whales are inhaling bacteria, fungi and viruses once believed to be found only on land. Some of the pathogens are highly virulent. And some are even antibiotic-resistant.
Seattle Times environment reporter
PETE SCHROEDER
Researchers use a pole with petri dishes attached on the end to sample the misty spray from a killer whale's blowhole for bacteria and other pathogens once believed to be found only on land. "It's pretty disturbing and opens a whole new can of worms," says an expert.
The scientists followed the killer whales by boat, trying to catch the precise moment the animals broke the surface.
Then, using a 25-foot pole strung with petri dishes, researchers leaned out and gathered samples of the moist exhaled air that shot like a geyser from each whale's blowhole.
Read the rest of the story here: Killer whales facing an airborne threat
