Whale calf deaths in Argentina linked to bacterial infection — Asharq Al-Awsat

In Argentina's southern province of Chubut, dozens of dead southern right whale calves have again washed ashore. Scientists suggest that a bacterial infection may be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of whale calves in Patagonia, Asharq Al-Awsat reports, citing AFP.

Possible bacterial infection

Mariano Coscarella, a researcher at the Marine Mammal Laboratory of the national research council Conicet, said that the mortality rate among young whales has been particularly high this season. According to him, the alarming trend has continued since June.

Veterinarians suspect an outbreak of erysipelas, a serious bacterial disease. According to Coscarella, the bacteria that may cause it are usually present on the skin of these mammals. He noted that the causes of death are likely natural, but the impact of human activity cannot yet be completely ruled out.

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The authorities of Chubut province said they are cooperating with the scientific community to determine the causes of the animals' deaths. According to preliminary research results, a common marine bacterium may be involved.

Whale breeding area

Puerto Madryn and the nearby Valdés Peninsula on Argentina's Atlantic coast are important breeding grounds for southern right whales. These animals can reach 17 metres in length and weigh an average of about 40 tonnes.

In 2025, a record 2,110 whales, including 800 young animals, were counted in the area. This year, authorities recorded 1,375 whales, including nearly 400 calves. Coscarella believes that the current animal deaths do not pose a medium-term threat to the local population, given that southern right whales can live for about 60 years.