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Seal killer virus identified
A virus similar to the H3N8 avian influenza usually a threat to birds, dogs and horses, probably the cause of seal deaths on US East coast
Credit: Peter Symes
H3N8 flu, usually a threat to birds, dogs and horses, kills off marine mammals
Seacoast Online | Killer seal virus found | 12-21-2011
More than 162 dead seals have been found along the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts since September
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We are now conducting tests on additional animals to learn more about the role this virus may have played in the die-off and to better understand the virus itself.
”—Dr. Teri Rowles, lead veterinarian and coordinator of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Program for NOAA Fisheries Service
Experts believe the cause of death of five harbor seals found dead on Seacoast beaches this fall reveal they died as a result of a virus never before seen in marine mammals.
The New England Aquarium collected the original samples as part of the Northeast Stranding Network and submitted them for evaluation to various laboratories.
The medical team from SeaWorld assisted in the sample evaluation and directed diagnostics. The Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the EcoHealth Alliance identified and typed the virus, which was subsequently confirmed by the Connecticut Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also contributed to the investigation effort.
The virus appears to have a low risk of transmission to humans, but experts continue to analyze the results.
Primary source â–ş Killer seal virus found
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