{
  "id": 9834321,
  "title": "What is killing whale calves in Patagonia? bacteria under suspicion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/what-is-killing-whale-calves-in-patagonia-bacteria-under-suspicion",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-25T21:00:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/25/what-is-killing-whale-calves-in-patagonia-bacteria-under-suspicion"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Whale calves are dying in alarming numbers along the Argentine Patagonia coast, prompting scientists and authorities to investigate potential causes. This season's mortality rate among southern right whale calves has been exceptionally high, with dozens of carcasses washing ashore in the province of Chubut. Initial findings suggest a possible bacterial infection as the culprit behind the tragic losses.\n\nMarino Coscarella, a researcher at Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council, stated that vets are currently looking into whether erysipelas, a bacterial disease common on marine mammals, could be responsible. Authorities have identified a likely candidate: a prevalent marine bacterium. However, the investigation is ongoing to confirm the exact cause of the fatalities.\n\nCoscarella believes the evidence currently points to a natural cause, but cautions that human activity has not been entirely ruled out as a contributing factor. The provincial government is collaborating with the scientific community to determine the origin of the episode.\n\nSouthern right whales gather annually at Puerto Madryn and the Valdés Peninsula, one of the primary breeding grounds in the South Atlantic, to mate and raise their young. These massive creatures can grow up to 17 meters long and weigh around 40 tonnes as adults. In 2025, nearly 2,110 whales were recorded in the area, including around 400 calves. Despite the recent surge in calf deaths, the researcher maintains that the episode does not yet pose a significant threat to the species' long-term survival. Southern right whales are known for their longevity, with an estimated lifespan of about 60 years.",
  "summary": "Dozens of southern right whale calves have been found dead on Argentina's Patagonian coast. Scientists are probing a possible bacterial infection after an unusually deadly season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Whales dying in high numbers along Argentine Patagonia coast",
    "Bacterial infection, possibly erysipelas, under suspicion",
    "Investigation ongoing to confirm cause of fatalities"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}