Seabirds wash up dead on Cape Cod coast stumping scientists

EASTHAM, Mass. – Large birds are washing up and dying on the Cape Cod coast, and scientists are stumped on the mysterious illness.

The Cape Cod Times reports (http://bit.ly/2sRGc4U ) animal hospitals and rehabilitation centres have seen an increase in gannets at their facilities over the past few months.

With wingspans reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 metres), gannets are known for diving through the water from nearly 130 feet (40 metres) in the air.

Staff at the Wild Care centre in Eastham says 16 of the 21 gannets brought to the facility have died from the ailment. Necropsies on the birds have, so far, been inconclusive.

A wildlife technician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates about 100 northern gannets have been affected overall.

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Information from: Cape Cod (Mass.) Times, http://www.capecodtimes.com