Meningitis test on whales

PILOT whales which died after becoming stranded in the Forth are to be tested for meningitis. Vet Dr Andrew Brownlow has ordered the test on 22 whales, including four calves.

Experts believe the whales may have been affected by a seaquake off the Norwegian coast or shipping operations.

Dr Brownlow said: “Meningitis would definitely explain their stranding but there is no gross evidence at this stage - that’s why we’re conducting the tests.”