Mysterious outbreak killing seals in Arctic

Seals with lesions, hair loss and sensitive skin around their eyes and muzzle are washing up along the Arctic coast.

Theyve showed up in Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Russia since July.

Last week, Paulatuk, N.W.T. residents found six dead seals along the communitys Beaufort Sea coastline.

Jason Herreman is a biologist with the North Slope Borough in Barrow, Alaska. He says at first, they thought it was just an isolated case. But then more affected animals turned up in mid-August.

He says they know very little about what could be causing this.

"We are currently looking to all avenues, including viruses, bacteria, weve got radiation poisoning sampling going out were really trying to look at everything at this point because we really dont have a clear understanding at this point as to what could be causing this outbreak," Herreman said.

The majority of the affected seals have some patches of hair loss across portions of their body, and some are completely bald. Some also have lesions on their hind flippers and around their tails, and very sensitive skin around their eyes and muzzle.

Herreman says mostly ringed seals are affected, but there have been reports of similar cases with harp seals in Greenland and even walrus in Alaska.

"Right now were continuing to monitor and track the course of the outbreak. Were collecting samples from any fresh carcasses we can get a hold of and were shipping these samples out to various labs across the country for analysis," he said.

The population of ringed seals is estimated at about four million animals, and Herreman says he doesnt know what percentage could be sick. He says there has been 146 cases in Alaska.

Herreman says hes seen hair loss in seals before, but its rare and usually caused by mange from mites or viruses.

The U.S. government is advising that if someone sees a sick seal to make sure they wear gloves to handle it, and then to wash all equipment which came in contact with it.

Theyre also advising people to make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly if they do consume seal.