Humpback whales possibly afflicted with skin disease
Any humpback whales seen with skin lesions are to be reported to the KZN Sharks Board
THE humpback whale that was successfully disentangled from shark nets in Ballito earlier this month is thought to be suffering from a skin affliction similar to that seen in humpbacks in Australia since 2010.
The infection or disease these whales are carrying is currently unknown and, as a result, the KZN Stranding Network has been tasked with reporting the compromised animals and taking skin samples.
Affected humpbacks are afflicted with skin lesions, the description of which includes white tissue, open raw sores, scar tissue and even the complete loss of outer skin.
Under no circumstances should members of the public touch these whales but if anyone comes across a humpback with skin lesions, they must report it to Mike Anderson-Reade of the KZN Sharks Board on 031 5660400.
