Canadian and American scientists are considering how to deliver potentially life-saving medication to a sick killer whale, identified as J-50. Photo courtesy The Canadian Press, HO-NOAA, NOMADS-EXPEDITIONS.COM, Katy Laveck Foster.
Delivering potentially life-saving treatment for an emaciated killer whale could depend on whether it is found in Canadian or American waters.
Scientists on both sides of the border say the southern resident killer whale, identified as J-50, may only have days to live and veterinarians are prepared to administer experimental antibiotics in American waters.
But Paul Cottrell of Fisheries and Oceans Canada says paperwork is still being looked at to be sure any effort to treat J-50 in Canadian waters does not affect other members of the 75-member southern resident pod.
J-50 was last seen Friday in Canadian waters, but she and the rest of the J-pod have not been seen since.
Officials in the U.S. are hoping to give J-50 the treatment if she is spotted in the waters off Washington State by dart or by fish offered to her by a pole.
American officials said the whale appeared lethargic and lost nearly 20 per cent of its body mass.
With files from the Canadian Press.
CHEK News
