Thousands of dolphins are killed in the waters of the Gulf

On average, the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico throws 74 dolphins every year, especially in the spring. But in the period from February 2010 to April 1, 2012 714 dolphins and other cetaceans stranded on the coast from the border of Louisiana and Texas to Franklin County, Florida, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Ninety-five percent of mammals were dead.

Although the time of extinction coincides with the explosion of the oil rig Deepwater Horizon, an oil spill and its consequences, the mortality of dolphins began to grow even 2 months prior to the accident on the platform, which occurred April 20, 2010. During these two months was found 112 dead dolphins.

In the summer of 2011 were examined 32 live dolphins in Barataria Bay, where he was a serious oil leak. Dolphins was reduced body weight, found anemia, low blood sugar, symptoms of liver disease and lung cancer. Were abnormally low levels of hormones that help in stressful situations, metabolic and immune processes. Discovered symptoms consistent with those commonly seen in animals affected by oil.

But the mystery remains why the dolphins began to die before the oil spill? One possible contributing factor is called the bacterium Brucella. In 16 of the dolphins found before the accident she was found, but dozens of others had no signs of infection.