Why are hundreds of whale calves dying in Patagonia? Scientists suspect bacteria

Hundreds of southern right whale calves have died along Argentina's Patagonia coast, with dozens more washing ashore this week. Researchers are investigating whether a bacterial disease known as erysipelas is behind the unusually high mortality among young whales.

Hundreds of southern right whale calves have died in Patagonia in Argentina, raising concern among scientists after dozens more washed up along beaches in Chubut province this week. Researchers are now investigating whether a bacterial infection is behind the unusually high number of deaths.

The deaths have been reported since June in and around Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Peninsula, one of the region’s main breeding grounds for southern right whales. Scientists say this season has been especially hard for young whales.

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