The virus that killed about 800 dolphins continues to infect marine mammals: on the east coast of the United States was found four whales. Scientists believe that the cause of the epidemic has become morbillivirus. According to the Washington Post, from July 1, 2013 began the mass death of bottlenose dolphins (bottlenose dolphins). Case mammals continues: at the moment the death toll animals is almost 800 individuals. Scientists Previously Taking Samples tissues of dead dolphins, concluded that their death had occurred as a result of infection with morbillivirus (lat. morbilli – measles + virus). This virus, belonging to the paramyxovirus family, to which the measles virus belongs, suppresses the immune system bottlenose dolphins and thereby makes them vulnerable to various infectious diseases such as pneumonia. 
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Photo from open sources A major outbreak of morbillivirus has already been recorded in 1987-1988, but the number of dead animals did not exceed 740 individuals. But the current epidemic threatens to become the most large-scale, as the case of bottlenose dolphins continues unprecedented the pace. “Despite the fact that the virus resembles a pathogen measles and leads to the mass death of dolphins, it poses no threat for people, emphasizes Dr. Teri Rowles of US National Marine Fisheries Service. – However, we are forced to to acknowledge that the epidemic continues at an unprecedented rate. ” 
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Photos from open sources The next who fell victim to wide the spread of an infectious disease, steel humpback whales and dwarf sperm whale – they were found on beaches located between Shatami Massachusetts and Georgia. But scientists are not in a hurry with conclusions, noting that only one whale was infected with morbillivirus. “Test results showed that one mammal was the carrier of this virus. Examine the tissue of other animals It turned out to be problematic. So, the body of the fourth whale is so has undergone a decomposition process, which is difficult for us to provide reliable test results. However, the assumption that morbillivirus became a source of infection and the cause of death of whales and sperm whale, causes serious concern, ”says Teri Rawls. TO unfortunately, officials and scientists from the National Marine Service US fisheries have recognized that they cannot protect wildlife from a deadly virus for them. 
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Viruses Dolphins USA Epidemics
