"A measles-like virus that suppresses the immune system could be the reason an extraordinary number of bottlenose dolphins have died after becoming stranded along the U.S. East Coast, a panel of dolphin experts said on Tuesday."

"Since July 1, 333 bottlenose dolphins have been found dead along coastlines from New York to North Carolina, the highest number in a quarter-century and almost 10 times the average of 33 for the same period and region over the last five years, according to Teri Rowles of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Virginia has had the largest number of stranded dolphin deaths, with 174, Rowles said in a telephone briefing."

Deborah Zabarenko reports for Reuters August 28, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Scientists Seeking Answers for Outbreak of Dolphin Deaths" (McClatchy) [3]