U.S. researchers have examined samples gathered from an ailing three-year-old orca swimming off the West Coast and say a parasite may be the reason the young killer whale is so thin. The scientists tested fecal 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 the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Officials say they can't be sure the positive sample came from J-50, but their veterinary team treating the orca will use a dewormer with an antibiotic in upcoming treatments. Earlier this month, scientists attempted to feed the killer whale live chinook salmon off a boat following a novel antibiotic treatment by dart at sea.

Source: CBC News August 18, 2018 23:37 UTC